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The Portal Foundations
Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach is a world-renowned early childhood educational philosophy that views children as capable, curious, and active drivers of their own learning. Developed in Italy after World War II by educator Loris Malaguzzi and local parents, this student-centered method focuses on community, collaboration, and critical thinking. Instead of following a rigid textbook plan, the curriculum emerges naturally from the children’s own questions and interests. A core belief is the concept of the "hundred languages of children," meaning young learners express their ideas through many different mediums, including art, movement, drama, and building. In a Reggio-inspired environment, teachers act as co-learners rather than lecturers, and the physical classroom itself is intentionally designed as a "third teacher" to spark wonder, creativity, and exploration.
The Nurtured Heart Approach
Developed by Howard Glasser, this innovative approach provides strategies for strengthening family relationships, reflecting on the energy of interactions, recognising personal qualities of greatness, and providing clarity about rules and consequences.
Those trained to use NHA can turn the most challenging situations toward success by focusing on individual skills and qualities and promoting ‘inner wealth’.
At the core of the Approach are ‘The 3 Stands’ – all necessary promises that support workers must be determined to keep if they are to create nurturing habits and enable big behavioural changes:
Absolute NO – resolutely not putting any energy into mistakes made, wrong-doing or negative behaviours, and helping parents, carers, support workers and young people to learn ‘reset’ strategies (regain calm and control).
Absolute YES – creating opportunities for young people’s success, making a big deal of detailing any and every great quality, success, or positive behaviour.
Clarity of Rules, and consequences that are known and agreed – fair, restorative, short and meaningful.
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