Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. an approach
    • ex. The school introduced a new approach to teaching math.
  2. a toddler
    • ex. She read a picture book to the toddler.
  3. inherent
    • ex. Creativity is an inherent quality in many artists.
  4. a facilitator
    • ex. The facilitator explained the activity step by step.
  5. well-being
    • ex. Good sleep improves your physical and mental well-being.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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The Princess of Wales recently visited Italy to see a famous preschool model. This model, called the Reggio Approach, helped revolutionize how every toddler learns in school. It believes that young children have an inherent curiosity and great potential to learn. Instead of traditional teaching, teachers act as facilitators to help children follow their own interests through play.

During her visit to a school in Reggio Emilia, Princess Catherine played with children in the garden. She even held a small animal. These schools use natural materials like wood, and they focus on relationships to improve a child’s emotional well-being. Researchers say this unique system helps children become more successful when they grow up.

In Reggio-inspired schools, children learn by exploring nature instead of doing schoolwork. There are no typical playgrounds, but kids enjoy playing in “mud kitchens” and climbing rocks. Experts say that free play is the best way for young children to learn how to concentrate. This special Italian style shows that freedom can help children connect deeply with the world.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

The Reggio Approach

  • The Reggio Approach believes that children learn best when they follow their own curiosity instead of being directly taught. What do you think happens when children are allowed to learn in this way? Discuss.
  • In this approach, teachers act more like facilitators who guide children instead of giving direct instruction. Would you prefer your child to learn from a guiding teacher or a traditional teacher who explains everything clearly? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Imagine you are a parent. Would you enroll your child in a school that follows this preschool model? Why or why not? Discuss.

Children’s Behavior and Emotional Well-being

  • During her visit to a school in Reggio Emilia, Princess Catherine played with children in the garden. In your opinion, how can an adult playing with them affect children's behavior? Discuss.
  • Experts say that free play is the best way for young children to learn how to concentrate. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Discuss.
  • Reggio schools focus strongly on children’s emotional well-being and relationships with others. Why do you think relationships are important in early learning? Discuss.