Emergent Curriculum in the Primary Classroom: Interpreting the Reggio Emilia Approach in Schools

Early Childhood Education

by Carol Anne Wien

How is a compelling, exemplary curriculum created in schools in spite of the pressures to implement a standardized one? In this book, teachers and principals share their experiences with emergent curriculum, and with the creative practices they’ve developed in urban classrooms kindergarten to 3rd grade. We learn what they were trying to do, how they began the process, the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, and what happened to the children. All chapters are written by teachers who have found ways of interpreting the Reggio approach to enrich their teaching within the confines of traditional schools. This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand emergent curriculum and for all who hope to nurture an enlivening, energizing way to learn in classrooms. The inspiring stories presented here

Ways that early childhood values and practices have been sustained and promoted in elementary schools. Exemplary teaching practice, where children want to learn and teachers want to teach. How the influence of the Reggio Emilia approach is reaching into urban public school environments with diverse populations. Democratic participatory teaching that offers visions of responsible citizenship for children.“This book is a treasure trove of useful frameworks, wonderful teacher stories, and memorable insights. It demonstrates the remarkable potential of children and teachers, and it clarifies how North American elementary school educators can take hold of ideas from Reggio Emilia and integrate them with their own ideals and standards.” —Carolyn Pope Edwards, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

“Carol Anne Wien demonstrates again that she can illustrate complex ideas—this time the theories underlying the Reggio Emilia approach—in innovative ways for a broad audience.”—Celia Genishi, Teachers College, Columbia University

“A must read for educators seeking an antidote to prescriptive curricular practice that respects neither children nor teachers.” —Curt Dudley-Marling, Lynch School of Education, Boston College

“This book provides long overdue and compelling pathways for extending Reggio Emilia principles into the primary grades. It will encourage readers to feel their way into the spirit and substance of emergent curricula and come away rejuvenated.” —Daniel Scheinfeld, Erikson Institute, Chicago, Illinois

Genres: Education

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Doni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with thoughtful examples of using Reggio Emilia principles with older children. Why isn't this done more broadly? Good practice is good practice. The best chapter is called "I am Your Lightening Girl" Building Relationships with Inquiry. The author focuses on developing inquiry with a student who seems particularly resistant to it. Her thoughtful articulation is helpful for any teacher who is struggling to implement their vision successfully. It made me realize that even though I've been trying to do an emergent curriculum, I often do a lot of the "inquiry" for my student. I begin with their interests, but then I do the research and finding of resources and guiding of activities FOR my student. Diana Will, on the other hand, really lets her students explore their interests through many different mediums and build their understandings for themselves. I was super impressed with her! I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what Shaune Palmer says about how, "teachers have misinterpreted children's interests if children lose engagement." It may not be the interest, they got wrong, but how they are exploring it. There are so many different ways to explore a concept and the ways concepts lead to other concepts. When students become disengaged, it is definitely time for reflection and reassessment.

[Chelsea Barnthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about how teachers used the Reggio Emilia Approach. There are very few books I need to read for class that I actually engaged with. I highly recommend this for when we are able to return back to in-person classes.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that really makes you rethink both children's abilities and teaching young children. A great read for any early childhood or elementary level teacher.

[Sara Nelson]

I picked up this book as I’m researching for homeschooling. I was able to get a better understanding of how to implement a reggio-emilia style if I choose that route. This book really demonstrates how educators can be open, involve students, be creative, pivot and move at the group’s pace, which is valuable.

[Amber]

1 copy available

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a textbook, but one of the better textbooks I have been assigned to read.