Teaching at Raintree is guided by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Central to this philosophy is the notion of the competent child: rich in potential, a contributing and a connected citizen of the world.
The Key Principles:
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Each child is an active participant in learning: Children are encouraged to take the lead in their own learning. This motivates the children and keeps them engaged. The teachers integrate the learning objectives in such a way that the children remain focused and enjoy learning through their own explorations.
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The significance of the learning environment: The Reggio Emilia approach highlights the importance of creating inspiring learning spaces that encourage curiosity and exploration. At Raintree, we have set up various studios and ateliers filled with stimuli to arouse interest and enhance learning.
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Teachers, parents and children as collaborators in the process of learning: There is a strong focus on social collaboration. Working in groups, the children’s thoughts and questions are always valued. The adults are not the givers of knowledge, but rather collaborators, observers and facilitators. The young learners are supported and encouraged to seek knowledge through their own investigations.
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Making learning visible: The teachers use various media to record the learning processes so that the children can share their experiences with their parents and the wider school community. Learning portfolios present examples of work and map out the learning journey taken by the child, both as an individual and as a part of a group. The emphasis here is on making the process of learning as meaningful as the outcome.
