The Williamsburg Northside Preschool in Brooklyn, New York is based on the Reggio Emilia Model. Here, we discuss the role of the school and its teaching model in teaching kids values to promote individuality among them.
2. Values Preschoolers Gather at
Williamsburg Northside Preschool
Respect – for one another, respect for
oneself, as well as respect for the
environment.
Embracing individuality – not just their
own individual selves, but also
recognizing and accepting others as
individual beings.
Coexistence & Harmony – with diverse
cultural differences, as well as
coexistence with the difference in
thoughts and opinions.
3. Role of The Reggio Emilia Approach in the
Formative Years of Children
The approach believes in maintaining
and portraying a positive image of each
child.
Each child’s interests, preferences, and
opinions are a contribution towards
classroom’s curriculum and the school’s
community.
Every child is considered as a capable
and competent individual that plays an
important part in society.
4. Role of the Teachers in the Development
of Each Child as a Unique Individual
Teachers do not depict themselves as
instructors, but as co-learners and
collaborators with each child.
Teachers ask children questions about
their interests, ideas, observations, and
struggles on a daily basis.
They take on various roles – researcher,
co-learner, and collaborator – in order to
understand each child and help him/her
in realizing their individuality.
5. Role of the Classroom’s Environment in
Williamsburg Northside Preschool
Furniture and materials in the
classrooms are carefully arranged in
order to stimulate, challenge, and
inspire each child in becoming a self-
dependent individual.
The classrooms provide students with a
balance of a homely as well as a
thought-provoking environment to
pique their curiosity.