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"Our
expectations of the child must be very flexible and varied. We must be able
to be amazed and enjoy like the children often do. We must be able to catch
the ball that the children throw us, and toss it back to them in ways that
make the children want to continue the game with us, developing, perhaps,
other games as we go along."
--Loris Malaguzzi,
Founder, Municipal Preschools, Reggio Emilia
The diverse group of
children attending the Renaissance
School reside in
Amherst and the surrounding communities. All children are welcome. Enrolled
children range in age from 2 years 9 months to 5 years.
The staff at the Renaissance School
have been inspired by the educators of the internationally acclaimed
municipally run schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The first, and most
fundamental guiding principle in the Reggian approach to early education
acknowledges that children are "rich, powerful, and competent."
Our educators strongly
support this belief and are committed to helping children reach their fullest
potential. As competent learners, children at the Renaissance School
are invited to work with real materials such as cameras, carpentry tools, and
everyday household utensils. There is a strong emphasis on making home and
school connections.
Throughout the day children
are provided many opportunities for small and large group interaction, as
well as quiet and active play. Children at the Renaissance School
are invited to challenge themselves in creative ways. In-depth curriculum
projects encourage children to develop their problem solving abilities and
express themselves with art materials, dance, puppets, and skit-making.
Children and teachers utilize whatever language may facilitate inquiry and
discovery.
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