For more than 30 years, curiosity has served as the compass in CDC’s Reggio Emilia classrooms, allowing students to explore and let questions light the way to incredible discoveries. That proven process is exactly what happened in Ms. Ami and Ms. Rachael’s Pre-K classroom when the children encountered something as simple (and magical) as a shadow on the playground.

It All Started With a Shadow…

You never know what’ll spark curiosity for our preschool students! While outside, they noticed a large shadow stretching across the ground from a nearby tree. What began as playful observation quickly turned into deeper analysis: “Why is the top of the shadow smaller than the bottom?” “Can we make our own?”

Back in the classroom, Ms. Ami and Ms. Rachael introduced a variety of lights and reflective materials, including flashlights, CDs, fabric, wire and prisms. Children then used these tools in a hands-on lesson to explore how light and shadow interact, experimenting with size, distance and shape.

They were especially captivated by the way rainbows appear when light hits certain surfaces, which inspired excitement and even more questions.

A Reggio Emilia-Inspired Investigation

In true Reggio Emilia fashion, this project was entirely inspired by the children’s observations and interests. Their growing curiosity shaped the direction of the project, inviting cross-disciplinary learning across science, art and discovery.

Some standout examples of Reggio-inspired learning included…

• Science exploration: light and shadow principles, reflection, color theory
• Art integration: prism collages, foil shadow sculptures
• Hands-on learning: flashlight labs, overhead projectors, “rainbow in a jar” experiment

Learning Spaces That Light the Way

To support this exploration, the classroom was transformed into a sensory-rich “project pod,” equipped with overhead projectors, light cubes, flashlight stations and colored screens. These immersive spaces allowed children to manipulate light in real time. Each discovery served as a launching point for group discussions, discovery and collaborative creativity.

What’s Next?

While this project is still in progress, Ms. Ami and Ms. Rachael plan to celebrate the children’s learning journey with a culminating event for families upon its completion. It’s sure to be a celebration that lights up all our lives!

Discover the CDC Difference

For more than 40 years, Children’s Discovery Center has helped guide and expand the minds of Toledo’s youngest explorers. Our dedicated staff nurtures children into becoming lifelong learners by providing an innovative environment that promotes self-led discovery. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.