The Early Years team from Lope de Vega International School traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in November to immerse themselves in the school's educational philosophy, taking advantage of the local festivities in Benidorm. The trip is part of the school's Erasmus+ project, which not only subsidizes and promotes student mobility but also teacher mobility for their ongoing professional development.
Reggio Emilia Pedagogy
The methodology developed by this prestigious movement led by Loris MalaguzziIt is based on the idea that the knowledge a child acquires should be obtained through observation and experimentation, thus enhancing their creativity.
Their teaching model is based on the uniqueness of each child, firmly believing in their individual abilities and characteristics. Therefore, in this approach, learning always begins with the children and their interests, but also with their own experiences. Motivation also plays a fundamental role, since an engaged child will undoubtedly be more receptive to learning.
Continuing Education
The Early Childhood team explains that the objective of this visit was "to delve deeper into a pedagogy that highlights the infinite ways in which children express ideas and interpret the world around them."
Our teachers, who already apply this methodology in the classroomsThey have conducted various workshops and activities. A “digital landscape atelier” to explore the links between the real and the digital and to delve into the relationship between the elements from which new landscapes emerge. For this workshop, they traveled to the Loris Malaguzzi International Centrewhere they were also able to move through the different spaces, recognizing the value and beauty of everyday materials and their possibilities in different educational experiences.
On the other hand, the team visited the Panizzi library, located in the historic center and has participated in a workshop in Remida, the creative recycling center from Reggio Emilia, which researches and reflects on the pedagogy of sustainability.
In addition, a teacher from the Primary Stage has also joined the Infant team to facilitate the transition of the change process and the pedagogical approach in which the School is immersed.
The aim of this trip is to broaden our teachers' perspectives and expand the possibilities and potential of our students. We are convinced that fostering models of thought and practices that respect people and the environment will empower today's children to be agents of change in the future.
