Principles of Reggio Emilia: How Learning Thrives Through Collaboration

By Stephanie Rino, Director of Curriculum and Learning

Hello, I’m Stephanie Rino, Director of Curriculum and Learning at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse. As a longtime Reggio Emilia–inspired educator, I’ve spent much of my career observing how children make meaning together, through shared questions, collective problem-solving, and moments of genuine connection. Collaboration has always been one of the most powerful forces in early childhood learning, and it’s a principle that continues to inspire me every day.

One of the most meaningful beliefs within the Reggio Emilia methodology is that learning is inherently social. Children do not construct knowledge in isolation; they build understanding through relationships: with peers, educators, families, and the world around them. Learning comes alive when ideas are shared, explored together, and shaped through collaboration.

Within the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, collaboration is not an occasional group task or a scheduled activity. It is a way of learning that honors children as thinkers who grow through interaction, dialogue, and shared discovery.

A Note About the “Reggio Emilia Curriculum”

We as teachers at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse are Reggio Emilia-inspired, and it is through our beliefs that we co-construct this learning in an emergent fashion, select open-ended materials, and nurture the Third Teacher: the environment. In practice, there is no such thing as a Reggio curriculum, Reggio material, Reggio furniture, or Reggio loose parts. Unlike Montessori, where it is the ‘Montessori Method’ with very clearly outlined learning and materials, Reggio Emilia-inspiration lives within us. When we use the phrase “Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum”, we mean only to identify our emergent and project-based teaching practices.

Collaboration Is How Ideas Grow

In the Reggio Emilia methodology, collaboration allows children’s thinking to evolve. An idea offered by one child becomes a starting point rather than a conclusion. Through shared exploration, children listen to one another, question assumptions, and refine their understanding together.

This process helps children see that learning is not about finding the “right” answer, but about exploring possibilities. When children collaborate, they begin to understand that ideas are flexible, expandable, and strengthened through collective thought. Learning becomes deeper because it is built together.

What Collaboration Looks Like in the Classroom

Collaboration within the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum is visible in everyday classroom moments, especially in shared projects that invite children to work side by side over time.

One of our favorite collaborative experiences is the creation of shared classroom murals. Using a large poster board, children gather around a single shared space where everyone contributes. There are no assigned sections or individual ownership of the work. Instead, children negotiate space, respond to one another’s ideas, and build upon what already exists.

As the mural grows, so does the collaboration. Children make room for each other, borrow ideas, adapt their plans, and learn that their work exists as part of a larger whole. The focus is not on the final product, but on the relationships and thinking that unfold throughout the process. Read here for instructions on how you can do this at home!

Learning With Others Builds Empathy and Perspective

Collaboration in early childhood is deeply connected to social and emotional growth. When children work together, they practice considering viewpoints beyond their own. They learn how to listen, how to compromise, and how to navigate moments of disagreement respectfully.

Within the Reggio Emilia methodology, these experiences are essential. Children begin to understand that their ideas matter, but so do the ideas of others. Collaboration helps children develop empathy, patience, and an appreciation for different perspectives, laying the groundwork for meaningful relationships both inside and outside the classroom.

Collaboration Encourages Persistence and Problem-Solving

The collaborative nature of the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum also supports persistence. When challenges arise, children are not facing them alone. Working alongside peers encourages children to stay engaged, try new approaches, and revisit ideas rather than giving up.

Through shared problem-solving, children learn that there are multiple ways to explore a question or overcome an obstacle. They experience the value of teamwork and discover that learning often happens through trial, reflection, and collective effort.

A Classroom Culture Rooted in Belonging

Collaboration helps shape a classroom culture where children feel a strong sense of belonging, and ensuring that every child belongs is our ultimate mission at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse. When children regularly contribute to shared projects and group experiences, they see themselves as valued members of a learning community.

Within the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, collaboration communicates an important message: every child has something meaningful to offer. Learning becomes a shared responsibility, and children develop confidence knowing their ideas contribute to the collective experience.

Keep reading about the seven principles of Reggio Emilia! We’ll be posting the following five shortly!

• (1) Children Are Active Participants in Their Learning
• (2) Learning Thrives Through Collaboration
• (3) Children are Natural Communicators
• (4) The Classroom is the Third Teacher
• (5) Teachers are Partners and Guides
• (6) Documentation is Communication
• (7) Parents are Partners in Learning