Learning With the Pedagogy of Reggio Emilia

Readers will find compelling perspectives on the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education, with a unique focus on inspiring teacher preparation.

This collection shares valuable learning experiences from graduates of the school–university partnership between University of Colorado Denver and Boulder Journey School. The chapter authors, all of whom were practicing teachers while enrolled in the Masters in Innovative Early Childhood Education program, invite early childhood practitioners and teacher educators to consider the transformative philosophy of Reggio Emilia for their teaching and learning.

Given the wide range of perspectives, the book will be relevant to educators who work with children (birth to 3rd grade) and families representing diverse linguistic, cultural, racial, and ability identities, as well as those who work across different geographic locations.

Book Features:

• A deep dive into how Reggio-inspired schools across the U.S. and the globe create learning spaces that foster a sense of belonging for educators, children, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Every chapter closes with two sets of Reflective Prompts—one for early childhood educators and another for teacher educators—that will support readers in connecting the book’s content to their own experiences and contexts.
• 40+ full-color photos and figures featuring student work, teaching and learning examples, and more.
• Chapter topics include the value of deep listening, diverse identities and cultures of belonging, inclusive and supportive social learning, languages of expression, children’s rights, racial equity, and the value of playful pedagogies.
• A concluding chapter written by lead faculty partner Lori Ryan proposes a hopeful future for teacher education and professional development grounded in social constructivism, inclusive pedagogies, and the current realities of the early childhood landscape.

Lori Ryan is a professor of early childhood education in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. She serves as faculty lead for the Boulder Journey School graduate teacher education program. Lori has decades long relationship with the educators and researchers in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and serves on the PhD board of Reggio Childhood Studies, University Modena-Reggio Emilia.

“The Boulder/Denver program exemplifies a beautiful synchronicity of practice and theory. Likewise we find, in this edited volume, teachers describing their aspirations and observations which map perfectly onto pedagogical principles. All this comes with the wisdom that their work is a continuing journey.”
—George E. Forman, emeritus professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst, co-editor, The Hundred Languages of Children

“It was thrilling to read this extraordinary book. From a shared understanding and inspiration of the principles and practices of the Reggio Emilia approach, the authors have developed a powerful philosophy and practice that has transformed their work and enriched the lives and learning of children. Thank you, Lori Ryan and all the authors, for an invaluable contribution to early childhood and teacher education.”
—Louise Cadwell, education consultant and author of Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education

“Learning With the Pedagogy of Reggio Emilia is a thoughtful, compelling, and field-shaping contribution to early childhood and teacher education. Grounded in the lived experiences of practicing educators, this volume moves beyond imitation of the Reggio Emilia approach to thoughtfully examine how its core values can be meaningfully interpreted and enacted within diverse cultural, linguistic, and institutional contexts. By positioning educators as researchers and learners alongside children, the book offers a rigorous and hopeful vision of teacher preparation rooted in reflection, documentation, and democratic participation. This work stands as a transformative resource for teacher educators and practitioners committed to equity, care, and learning that is deeply human and responsive across the lifespan.”
—Ingrid Anderson, associate professor, Portland State University

“Drawing on an enriching interpretation of the educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, this book presents a compelling exploration of perspectives that bridge theory and practice with exceptional integrity.”
—Lorenzo Manera, professor of Reggio childhood studies, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, Italy