perspectives & theories in OSHC

Malaguzzi - Reggio Emilia Approach

Loris Malaguzzi’s Reggio Emilia Approach helps OSHC educators see children as capable, creative meaning-makers—and design environments and experiences that invite agency, collaboration, and deep engagement. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll explore Reggio-inspired principles in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Malaguzzi” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the approach in an after-school context, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring Reggio-inspired practice in a real service, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday programming, environments, and interactions.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins 

Price

$49

About the module

OSHC is not school—and it’s not early childhood. It’s a unique space where children deserve leisure, belonging, play, and choice. The Reggio Emilia Approach (inspired by Malaguzzi) offers a powerful lens for OSHC because it supports educators to create conditions for children’s interests, peer culture, creativity, and inquiry to flourish—without turning after-school time into a lesson plan.

This module supports educators to apply Reggio-inspired thinking in ways that fit OSHC realities:
  • children arriving with fatigue and social load
  • mixed ages and shifting group dynamics
  • time constraints and daily routines
  • the need for flexible, child-led experiences
  • meaningful documentation that supports reflection (not paperwork overload)

Understand Reggio-inspired practice

A clear introduction to core Reggio ideas—children as capable, the environment as teacher, and learning through relationships and inquiry (adapted for OSHC).

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the approach to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring Reggio-inspired programming and environments.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Malaguzzi + What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?
    A plain-language overview with OSHC examples: child agency, relationships, inquiry, creativity, and the role of environment and documentation.
  • “Let’s hear from Loris Malaguzzi”
    A short creative narrative where “Malaguzzi” speaks to honouring children’s capabilities and designing spaces that invite engagement (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing Reggio-inspired practice in OSHC
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - follow children’s interests without over-planning
    - set up invitations to play/inquiry that suit mixed ages
    - support collaboration and peer culture
    - redesign spaces/materials to reduce conflict and increase engagement
    - document meaningfully without drowning in paperwork
  • A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors educators to “notice differently”
    - how to guide planning through interest threads and project approaches in OSHC timeframes
    - how to use documentation for reflection and team learning (not compliance)
    - how to support consistent practice when staff confidence varies
  • OSHC case study: Reggio-inspired practice in action
    A realistic scenario showing how an interest evolves over days/weeks (e.g., loose parts construction, nature inquiry, dramatic play worlds, maker projects, group problem-solving). Learners practise identifying the “learning story,” educator roles, and environment adjustments.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to challenge default habits (e.g., adult-led rotations, “busy activities,” product-focused craft) and redesign for agency, choice, and meaning-making.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Design OSHC environments that invite engagement, collaboration, and calm
  • Follow children’s interests through flexible “invitations” and interest threads
  • Strengthen child voice and agency without losing structure and safety
  • Support creativity and meaning-making (not just “activities”)
  • Document learning in simple, useful ways that support reflection and planning
  • Build shared team language around environment, intentionality, and children’s capabilities

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators wanting practical ways to strengthen child-led programming and environments
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring teams to plan through interests, set up rich spaces, and document meaningfully
Ready to create richer OSHC environments and experiences that follow children’s interests?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.