The Naked Approach

Who are we?

Flapsy Mapsy

Flapsy Mapsy … Under construction

Creativity What is Reggio Emilia about? All children have potential, interests and rights. Children are communicators. The environment is the “third” teacher. Educators are partners, nurturers and guides. Endless opportunities for the children to express themselves. Education is about asking questions and learning through experiences.

Why did we become interested in the Reggio Emilia approach? Visible learning Creativity Children’s interest Enhancing PYP Documentation Exhibitions Collaboration Children’s potential Experimentation in education

What were our objectives? CHALLENGING OUR PRECONCEIVED IDEAS OF TEACHING. THE NAKED APPROACH ALL ABOUT STRIPPING BACK TO THE BASICS OF OUR KNOWLEDGE/CONCEPTS/SKILLS

Two goals ActionWho is involvedStrategiesTimeline Identify ways in which the building and environment could be improved to support the programme.  Pre-K team  Maintenance team  Financial director  Architect  Establish sleep area in PTP house  Investigate use of kitchen in PTP  Investigate possibility of converting the attic into a sleeping corner and reading area Ongoing Identify and implement ways to make our approach even more transdisciplinary and to encourage creativity.  Pre-K Team  PYP Coordinator  Other supporting teachers  Identify areas of Reggio practice which will enhance what we already do  Look at and refine planning documentation for Units of Inquiry  Brainstorm ideas before/during/after units  Professional reading  Sharing practice Begin April 2010 Ongoing

Where are we after two years? Atelierista Ways of recording children’s work Settings of classroom and environment (Less is more) Involvement from the parents Sharing experiences (e.g. articles, staff meetings, collaboration time among teachers) Adapting our planners/Units of Inquiry Recycling center

Two examples of teaching skills that we adjusted after our visit to Reggio Emilia? Before REAfter RE “Art Attack “(Unit of Inquiry) Artists techniques, styles, media Techniques, styles, media Artists Graphics (LA) Tracing, copying and writing independently Physical movements leading to the concept of what a line is

Art Attack

Graphics

What have we found difficult? What are we still working on? To keep focused on implementing the NA Being flexible Dissemination to our school community Finding more time to collaborate To encourage other staff members to be open to new ideas

Implementing the Reggio Emilia approach in your school… What are the positive aspects? What difficulties have you encountered? Can you see any similarities between the Naked Approach and your way of teaching? Any questions?

Come and visit us, in Belgium, and share your experiences. Sandrine Limbourg and Áine Gahan and