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Application of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Science Curriculum

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Abstract

The Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education is growing in its influence in the United States. This article focuses on the relevance of this Italian early childhood philosophy to science knowledge and content standards for the PreK–12 student population. This article presents (a) a summary of key concepts of the Reggio Emilia Approach, (b) a description of the science curriculum standards for the K–3 grades in the United States, and (c) an example of an in-depth project on rain forests for a second-grade class that integrates many of the concepts of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Included in this article are suggestions for planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating a developmentally appropriate and effective science lesson for an early childhood classroom through the lens of Reggio Emilia.

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Stegelin, D.A. Application of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Science Curriculum. Early Childhood Education Journal 30, 163–169 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022013905793

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