Exploring the Reggio Emilia learning approach

A royal visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy earlier this year shone the spotlight on a non-traditional learning approach. Hong Kong’s Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten explains the benefits

Reggio Emilia allows children to learn at their own pace (image courtesy Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten Hong Kong)

What is the Reggio Emilia approach to learning?

Developed in post-war Italy by Loris Malaguzzi, the Reggio Emilia philosophy was built on values of community, collaboration, democracy and respect for children's voices. Children are viewed as capable, competent individuals and active producers of knowledge, rather than passive recipients of information. Learning emerges through exploration, dialogue and meaningful experiences within a rich network of relationships among children, educators, families and the environment. Success is measured not only through academic achievement, but also through the way children understand themselves, build relationships, think critically, express ideas and engage meaningfully with others and with the world around them.

Which ages does the system target? 

It was originally developed for early childhood education and traditionally focused on children from birth to six years old. However, over time its principles have expanded and inspired educational settings across different age groups, including primary and secondary education. Since Reggio Emilia is an approach rather than a fixed method, its values - such as inquiry, collaboration, critical thinking and the active role of children in constructing knowledge - can evolve and adapt as children grow.

How does it work in practice?

At IIKG, these principles are applied within our kindergarten setting, creating meaningful learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate for young children. While younger children may investigate concepts through sensory exploration, play, and open-ended experiences, older children can engage in more complex forms of research, discussion, problem-solving and critical thinking. What remains consistent is the belief that children are capable learners whose ideas, questions, and voices deserve to play an active role in shaping their educational journey.

What are the benefits of the Reggio Emilia system?

It’s a method that supports children not only academically, but also socially, emotionally and cognitively. Rather than focusing exclusively on outcomes or measurable results, the approach places equal importance on developing skills children will carry throughout their lives. Key benefits include the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, the emphasis on creativity and self-expression and the value placed on relationships and collaboration.

Exploration is a big part of the Reggio Emilia curriculum (image courtesy Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten Hong Kong)

Is it suitable for all children?

The approach is built on the belief that every child is capable, competent and brings unique strengths, perspectives and ways of learning into the classroom. No educational approach should be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution. Every child is unique and the success of any educational philosophy depends greatly on thoughtful implementation and the ability of educators to respond to individual children. One of the strengths of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and the way we interpret it at IIKG, lies precisely in this responsiveness, creating meaningful learning experiences that adapt to children while recognising and valuing the individuality of each learner.

What does a typical ‘Reggio Emilia day’ look like?

There is no rigid timetable, instead the day is structured around routines that provide children with security while also leaving space for flexibility, exploration, and the emergence of children's ideas. The day often begins with a welcoming routine and circle time to create a sense of belonging and community within the classroom. Children come together to greet one another, discuss feelings, share ideas, revisit previous experiences, reflect on ongoing projects and introduce questions or topics that may guide the day’s learning. A key component of the day involves invitations to think, wonder, explore and investigate. These may take the form of materials, objects, photographs, questions, stories, natural elements, or environments arranged by teachers to spark curiosity.

How can parents register for a Reggio Emilia school like IIKG?

We do not use formal entrance tests or academic exams for admission into our early years programme. Instead, we focus on ensuring there is a good fit between the child, the family and the school’s educational values. The aim is to build a shared partnership where children are supported to grow as confident, curious  and capable learners. Parents typically begin by attending an open day or arranging a school tour. Following this, families are invited to submit an application. Depending on the age group, IIKG may then arrange a parent and child interaction session or an informal observation, an opportunity for our educators to get to know the child as a whole. 

How can parents take the first step?

For younger children, our Playgroup also offers a gentle entry point into the Reggio Emilia approach. It allows children to experience the environment in a playful, exploratory and secure setting, while gradually becoming familiar with routines, language exposure and social interaction within a bilingual context. It also gives families the opportunity to understand the philosophy in practice before moving into the kindergarten programme.

Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten Hong Kong, Podium Level 1, Block 4, Phase 1, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong; iikg.edu.hk.

This feature first appeared in the Autumn 2026 issue of Asia Family Traveller magazine. Read the digital issue here.