Today marks 30 years since the death of Loris Malaguzzi, the inspirer of the educational philosophy known throughout the world as the Reggio Emilia Approach. Although the city has always chosen to celebrate the birthday (February 23rd), rather than the death, of this intellectual who was both visionary and concrete, this anniversary is an opportunity for a reflection that can bring together the thoughts and continue the dialogue on education issues.

He taught us to "free up hopes for a new culture of humanity" but also that "every occupied outpost of childhood is called to resist."

He was able to intelligently give voice to children's rights A vision of a competent child with knowledge and resources "insiders". "I don't know if we are aware of being in times of great political and social risk. The destinies of childhood play difficult moments. Every occupied outpost of childhood is called today to hold on, to resist , to consolidate against any possible erosion. Childhood is a culture always at risk" (L. Malaguzzi, 1990).

Malaguzzi taught us, and I say this first of all as a child who attended those nurseries and schools, to be bearers of a new culture, "to release hopes for a new culture of humanity", which represents presents a challenge that is still current and emerging even today in certainly changed, but no less challenging conditions, which require courage and innovation and which call all of us and the Reggio community to continue in their commitment and his great work.

by Nando Rinaldi, director of the Schools and Nurseries Institution of the Municipality of Reggio

Here in the UK 'a new culture of childhood' is certainly  challenged, and there are many educators, parents and advocates being valiant in championing a new outlook (and most of us are keenly aware of the acute challenges of the  times. It is important to know that we are part of an international direction - and to act locally, and in connection with this direction.

"Trees give the earth life and beauty." (Laura, 5 years old)

Children and educators of the city of Reggio Emilia's preschools and infant-toddler centres  have been celebrating the centenary of the birth of Professor Loris Malaguzzi , father of the Reggio Emilia Approach, with  an imaginative and insightful study on trees. It is on display in 77 shops in the town centre - here is a video presentation for those of us who are not yet visiting the centre and appreciating it first-hand:

The future of the planet and the defence of the environment are among the themes of a true world emergency and among the most "felt" by children and young people.

The children relate with innate empathy to the natural world, they wonder about what can be considered "living" and what are the elements that unite and distinguish all living beings.
The "Imagine a forest" project was born out of these children's questions and their desire to understand the natural world.
The protagonists are children, trees and the language of graphics.
The trees representing the vast world of living subjects who inhabit the Earth together with us. Trees, which children and humanity must learn to respect, love, perceive as plant brothers, recognising them as fundamental for the survival of the planet.

© Preschools and kindergartens - Institution of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and Reggio Children 

Typing up notes from a 2019 visit, it occurred to me that it could be interesting to share. It may help you picture the life of a preschool in Reggio. There is also a lovely minute's video by Reggio on our page 'Introductory Articles on Reggio Emilia's Preschools' . ...