SINGAPORE - In a typical E-Bridge classroom, children interact freely with materials like fabric and clay, instead of colourful commercially made toys. This is meant to encourage them to exercise creativity, problem-solving skills and social skills.

       “You don’t actually need languages to interact with children,” said Ms Alice Tay, 55, an educator and deputy director for strategic planning at E-Bridge Pre-School.

       E-Bridge, part of the EtonHouse Education Group, is one of the pre-school operators in Singapore that have adopted curricula inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which places the child at the centre of learning.

       The approach, which has spread internationally, originated in Italy after World War II. Developed by Italian pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and named after the northern city of Italy where he came from, the educational philosophy also puts emphasis on the environment as a vital “third teacher”.

       Singapore is hosting the first-ever exhibition and conference on the Reggio Emilia way of learning in November. The event was organised by Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children (Reach) – which represents Asia – and the international Reggio Children organisation.

       The conference is held at Orchard Hotel from Nov 22 to Nov 23, while the exhibition, which also includes an interactive atelier, runs from Nov 22 to Dec 20 at 6A Stevens Road.

       E-Bridge centres integrate the Reggio Emilia approach by having learning spaces with materials like fabric and clay that the children can engage with. Teachers observe how the children interact with these materials, before making changes to the lesson materials accordingly.

       Children are seen as competent thinkers and communicators as they express themselves through non-verbal languages using their actions and bodies, Ms Tay said.

       The biggest challenge for the educators at E-Bridge is the lack of physical proof of work. In conventional schools, the children will bring home products such as worksheets as proof of their ability.

       “We don’t do that (here) as we believe that children have different thoughts and want to express themselves differently. So their journey has to be documented well enough in pictures and their portfolio to show to the parents and the community,” Ms Tay added.

       Ms Mirella Ruozzi, an Italian educator with a background in the arts and a practitioner of the Reggio Emilia approach for 50 years, visits E-Bridge and EtonHouse every year and spends a week with the educators in their classrooms.

       Each time, she shares with the Singapore educators her way of documenting how the children interact with their surroundings, taking photographs and listening to the children.

       “We have been studying the theory of Reggio Emilia, but for her to come into the context and to work with the children, it is like learning from the source,” Ms Tay said.

       Every E-Bridge educator is trained in this approach. Lesson plans are drafted weekly and further adapted to the individual interests of the children.

       “We want them to understand that the child is more competent than they imagine,” Ms Tay added.

       At the conference on Nov 22, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, said the Reggio Emilia approach of learning views children as capable and curious individuals who actively participate in their own learning.

       “The journey towards innovation begins as early as the pre-school years. This is why play is important – play forms the basis of innovation,” she said.

       “When children play, they are deeply engaged, motivated and joyful throughout this learning experience. They are not being instructed to learn these skills but are acquiring them naturally through the medium of play. Through play, children learn about themselves, others and the world around them.”

       For more information regarding the exhibition and workshops, visit here.