A Reggio-Inspired Approach
Rooted in respect, curiosity, and collaboration, the Reggio Emilia approach views children as
capable, creative, and full of potential.
Learning is guided by their interests, supported through strong relationships, and enriched by a thoughtfully prepared environment.
understand the core concepts...
Child-led Learning.
Learning Through Their Interests.
At Sprouting Minds, we believe children learn best when they’re genuinely interested and emotionally connected to what they’re doing. That’s why we follow their natural curiosity—using it as the starting point for deeper learning.
If a child is fascinated by insects, we might explore counting legs (math), drawing their shapes (art), learning their names (language), and discovering where they live and what they eat (science). In this way, core concepts in literacy, numeracy, and science are introduced through meaningful, real-world experiences that feel exciting and relevant to the child.
When learning is tied to their interests, children stay engaged longer, ask more questions, and retain more of what they’ve discovered. It builds confidence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Classroom as the
Third Teacher
A Space That Invites Learning.
In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the environment is more than just a backdrop—it’s considered the third teacher.
At Sprouting Minds, our space is carefully designed to be warm, welcoming, and filled with intention. Every shelf, material, and corner is set up to invite exploration, independence, and meaningful interaction.
We use natural light, soft colors, and real, beautiful materials to create a calm and inspiring atmosphere. Open-ended resources and flexible spaces allow children to move freely, make choices, and return to ideas over time. From cozy reading nooks to thoughtfully arranged art areas, the classroom encourages focus, creativity, and care.
When children feel safe, comfortable, and inspired by their surroundings, learning happens naturally—through play, collaboration, and discovery.
The Role of the
Educator
Guides, Observers, and Co-Learners.
In a Reggio-inspired classroom, educators don’t simply deliver lessons—they observe, listen, and walk alongside the child as a co-learner.
At Sprouting Minds, our role is to support each child’s journey by creating meaningful experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and offering the right materials at the right time.
We watch closely to understand what each child is curious about, what challenges them, and how they express themselves. From there, we gently guide learning, offering invitations to explore further, think deeper, or try something new.
This responsive approach builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ensures that learning is personal, relevant, and rooted in connection.
Relationships and Community
Guiding children in a way that they understand.
We speak the language of children when teaching kindness and empathy.
Using simple but powerful tools like rock and cotton ball actions, we help children reflect on how their behavior makes others feel—was it soft and kind like a cotton ball, or hard and hurtful like a rock? We also explore what it means to “fill someone’s bucket” through kind words, helping hands, and thoughtful choices. These ideas give children a tangible way to understand respect, compassion, and emotional impact.
Families are not separate from the learning process—they’re part of it. We welcome open communication and see parents as active partners in their child’s growth. Don’t be surprised when your child starts bringing these lessons home!
The Power of Documentation
Making learning visible.
In a Reggio-inspired space, we don’t just observe children—we document their learning to truly understand it and celebrate it. At Sprouting Minds, we use photos, quotes, drawings, and written reflections to capture the thoughts, questions, and discoveries that unfold each day.
This documentation helps make learning visible—not only to educators, but to the children and families as well. When children see their work and ideas displayed, they feel a sense of pride, ownership, and identity as capable learners. It validates their thoughts and efforts, boosts confidence, and encourages them to return to ideas, deepen their thinking, and build new connections over time.
It also helps parents stay connected to the learning journey—offering a window into their child’s world and sparking meaningful conversations at home. These shared stories strengthen the bond between home and school and remind children that their learning matters.
Natural Materials,
Real-World Exploration
Bringing the natural world into the classroom.
Nature is not just something we study—it’s something we interact with, care for, and learn from.
At Sprouting Minds, we use real, natural materials—wood, stones, leaves, shells, clay—to inspire hands-on learning and spark curiosity. These materials invite open-ended exploration, allowing children to create, build, compare, sort, and investigate using all their senses.
Our regular nature walks give children the chance to slow down, notice the world around them, and experience the changing seasons firsthand. Whether we’re listening to birdsong, spotting mushrooms, or collecting treasures like pinecones and feathers, these quiet adventures help children feel grounded, regulated, and connected to the earth.
We explore this even more on our Nature & Natural Materials page, but here too, we celebrate nature as a vital teacher—one that calms the nervous system, sparks wonder, and invites meaningful discovery.
Art as a
Language
Creativity, Expression, and Communication.
In Reggio-inspired learning, art is seen as one of the many “languages” children use to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
It’s not about the final product—it’s about the process. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, and experimenting with materials, children are invited to communicate, explore, and reflect in their own unique way.
We dive deeper into the role of art in our program on the Little Artists page.
