Long Term Projects

Long-term projects are a fundamental element of the Reggio Emilia Approach, allowing children to explore ideas in depth over weeks or even months. These projects are emergent, meaning they stem from children’s interests, questions, and experiences. Through hands-on exploration, collaboration, and reflection, students engage in meaningful, inquiry-based learning that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

Educators act as facilitators, guiding children’s investigations by providing materials, asking thought-provoking questions, and documenting the learning process. Projects integrate multiple forms of expression the Hundred Languages of Children such as art, storytelling, construction, and dramatic play. By encouraging sustained inquiry, long-term projects nurture children’s sense of ownership, problem-solving skills, and deeper connections to the world around them. (Senent et al., 2021)

Implementing Long-Term Projects in a Regular Classroom

Even in a traditional classroom, teachers can incorporate long-term projects inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to foster deeper learning, creativity, and collaboration. Here’s how:

1. Identify Student Interests

• Observe students’ conversations, questions, and play to discover topics they are curious about.
• Conduct brainstorming sessions where students share what they wonder about.
• Use classroom discussions, books, or real-world events to spark inspiration.

2. Create an Inquiry-Based Learning Experience

• Start with an open-ended question, such as “How do communities work?” or “What can we learn from nature?”
• Encourage students to generate their own questions and theories to guide exploration.
• Allow flexibility for students to investigate topics in ways that interest them.

3. Integrate Multiple Subjects and Expression Forms

• Connect the project to literacy (writing reflections, creating storybooks), science (experiments, observations), math (measuring, graphing), and art (drawing, modeling, building).
• Use the Hundred Languages of Children by incorporating music, drama, and hands-on construction.

4. Provide Time and Space for Exploration

• Dedicate regular class time for students to work on their projects over several weeks.
• Set up exploration stations with relevant materials (e.g., maps for geography projects, recycled materials for engineering projects).
• Encourage independent and group work to build collaboration and problem-solving skills.

5. Document and Reflect on Learning

• Take photos, videos, and notes to capture student progress.
• Have students keep journals to reflect on their discoveries and evolving ideas.
• Create a project wall or portfolio to showcase the journey, not just the final product.

6. Celebrate and Share the Learning

• Organize a project showcase where students present their findings to peers, parents, or the school community.
• Encourage creative presentations, such as plays, models, videos, or interactive exhibits.
• Discuss what students learned, what surprised them, and how they might continue exploring.

By integrating long-term projects into a regular classroom, teachers can create a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and deep thinking.

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