Fulton Community School & Farm

A Study Tour to Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia is a place. Their practice is fundamentally grounded in their culture, their context, and their way of life. It has emerged and changed over time, but still holds true to what they believe: that children are profound and deserving of rich, responsive, dedicated spaces and educators. This image of the child, seen as capable, deeply intelligent, and worthy of our fullest attention, is not unique to Reggio Emilia. It is a truth that all of us who work with and love children should carry.

What I witnessed was a deep, abiding connection to children and a profound sense of responsibility to them. Every detail of every space and action communicates that children’s thoughts matter, that their ideas have weight, and that the adults around them are paying close attention. Environments are designed as places of research, where questions are welcomed and curiosity is treated as serious intellectual work. Nothing is incidental. The documentation covering the walls is not decoration; it is evidence of careful listening, a platform that says your thinking was seen, recorded, and honored. Planning flows from children outward, shaped by what educators observe, what children wonder, and what the community holds as meaningful.

I walk away knowing that no one outside of Reggio Emilia can truly experience a Reggio school. However, we can be deeply inspired and honor their view of children and the importance of this time of life. We must look at our own context and think critically about what that means to us. True inspiration asks us to go deeper, not just borrow the look of something beautiful, but to understand the beliefs underneath it. We must elevate the image of the child, see them as competent, capable, deserving members of our community, know that they are researchers, and give them a rich, inquiry-based environment that honors the genius and gift that they are. We have the privilege to research alongside children and be taught by them.

Thank you for the opportunity