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Can we adapt the philosophies and practices of Reggio Emilia, Italy, for use in American schools?

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Abstract

The Reggio Emilia preschools in Italy have much to offer U.S. early childhood practitioners and administrators. Nevertheless, we need to be aware of some of the difficulties in attempting to transport or adapt educational models from European roots to American educational settings. The three components that constitute the differences between European and American settings are (1) patterns of thinking, (2) attitudes within the macrosociety, and (3) cultural conventions. Moreover, preschool and primary school teachers and administrators all have an enabling role to play in establishing a more effective and meaningful transition from preschool to elementary schools.

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Firlik, R. Can we adapt the philosophies and practices of Reggio Emilia, Italy, for use in American schools?. Early Childhood Educ J 23, 217–220 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02353340

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