Reflecting on the study trip to the Loris Malaguzzi Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy, has led to a significant transformation in my views on environments for young children. The Centre and the pre-schools we visited exemplify Malaguzzi’s vision, embracing a philosophy that sees children as capable, resourceful, and active participants in their learning journey.

The concept of the “hundred languages of children” resonated profoundly, emphasizing the value of various forms of expression and learning beyond traditional education approach. The significant impact of long-term, inquiry-based learning was clearly visible in the children’s intricate projects, which were carefully planned and facilitated to align with their interests and questions. The atelier, a space for exploration and experimentation with different materials, showcased how creative expression promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The focus on documentation, not merely as a record but as a means for reflection and dialogue, was especially striking. The thoughtfully displayed project documentation-featuring photographs, documentations, and children’s artwork— revealed the depth of their learning processes and the educators’ insightful observations.

The collaborative spirit among educators, children, and families was evident throughout the pre-schools. Its environment, designed to encourage interaction and communication, reflected a community committed to nurturing children’s potential. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the importance of creating learning environments that are responsive, stimulating, and respectful of children’s natural curiosity and creativity. The Reggio Emilia Approach should not be seen as a method to replicate. but rather as an inspiration to foster a culture of listening, observation. and respect for children’s interests and abilities.

Reflection by:
Cathy Chew
Senior Centre Leader
E-Bridge Pre-School

Participating in the recent study group in Reggio Emilia was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of its educational philosophy. Immersing myself in this inspiring environment, I was moved by the emphasis on seeing the child as capable, the power of collaboration, and the innovative practices that celebrate curiosity and creativity as the heart of learning.

I gained a deeper appreciation for the idea that children build their lives through the knowledge and experiences they encounter and the relationships they form. Identity emerges from these interactions, shaped by the balance between belonging and recognizing differences. In education, time is key for these processes to unfold naturally, embracing mistakes and risks as essential parts of learning. Children thrive when given the freedom to explore, exchange ideas, and navigate conflicts. Through these experiences, children not only develop empathy but gain a greater understanding of others.

I also learnt that the Reggio Emilia Approach takes a social-constructivist view of teaching and learning, emphasizing the creation of contexts where children can lead their own learning. This happens through the interplay of their ideas with those of others and the world around them. In this framework, the adult’s role is to design environments that empower children to explore independently, rethinking traditional notions of teaching and learning. They model being active participants by giving a voice to various subjectivities and to the group.

Teachers used documentation as a tool to gather information and the children’s responses to explore their own teaching, to inform professional dialogue and to generate questions and inquiry about the children and their learning. It is then shared with children and families to enable them to interpret, reflect upon, evaluate and co-construct the meaning of experiences. Therefore, observation and documentation are invaluable tools, serving not only as records but as reflective practices that enrich learning for both children and adults.

Reflection by:
Nurafahsha Binte Mohamad Ya’acob
Class Teacher
EtonHouse Pre-School Mountbatten 223

Participating in the study group reaffirmed a belief that has shaped my practice for years—the Atelier is more than a physical space; it is a living culture that nurtures thinking, creativity and relationships. It is a space where children’s ideas take shape, where their hands and minds work in harmony, and where their voices are truly heard. The Atelier is a place of possibility, filled with curiosity, dialogue and deep exploration.

One of the most powerful reminders from this experience was that working with children is not about giving them answers. It is about walking alongside them, wondering together, embracing the unexpected and trusting in the process of learning. The Atelier cultivates this by offering an environment where children are encouraged to experiment, take risks and make sense of their world in their own way. Mistakes are not seen as obstacles, but as part of the journey, leading to new understandings and deeper connections.

Inclusivity within the Atelier resonated deeply with me. When a space is designed with intention, it welcomes every child, inviting them to explore in ways that feel natural to them. I have seen first-hand how thoughtful arrangements of materials spark curiosity, how open- ended evocations inspire collaboration and how the environment itself becomes an active participant in the learning process.

What stood out most was the role of storytelling. Every brushstroke, layered material, and quiet moment of observation is a story that links past experiences to discoveries. Learning and storytelling are not separate; they are intertwined, shaping the way children make sense of their world and strengthening connections between school, home and community.

This experience has deepened my commitment to fostering a culture of the Atelier—one that honours children as thinkers, creators and storytellers. More than ever, I feel inspired to create spaces where their ideas can flourish, their voices can be heard and their creativity can unfold in ways that are meaningful to them.

Reflection by:
Vivien Khoo  
Class Teacher
EtonHouse Garden School by the Bay