Frequently asked questions

Why the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The core activity of the founders of Putnu dārzs is related to languages and various language technologies. Since 2008, during frequent business trips to such business hubs as San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the founders of Putnu dārzs have noticed that many of their clients and colleagues choose Reggio Emilia Approaches at schools for their children. The answer to the question ‘Why the Reggio Emilia Approach?’ was that this approach provides children with a wide range of skills from an early age, teaches them to cooperate and work in a team, use their creative potential, develop soft skills, be empathetic to others and not be afraid to be different. These are the principles that motivated the founders of Putnu dārzs to open the first Reggio Emilia preschool in Latvia for the children of their employees and other parents who are interested in or passionate about this approach to teaching and its principles.

How many children are there in Putnu dārzs?

Putnu dārzs is a small preschool with no more than 55 children exploring the world at a time. Putnu dārzs employs seven full-time teachers and teaching assistants, as well as English, kids yoga, Numicon and music specialists who teach classes to children several times a week.

Where is Putnu dārzs located?

Putnu dārzs is located in the heart of the Āgenskalns region of Riga, at Slokas iela 41A, in a historic Hamman manor, the renovation of which was completed in 2022. Premises were designed and based on the preschool concept of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Putnu dārzs has its own spacious outdoor area where children can be creative and enjoy freedom while playing games. We are also frequent visitors at the University of Latvia Botanical Garden that is based nearby.

Where can I learn more about the Reggio Emilia Approach?

Online sources offer a wealth of information on the approach in English if you search for ‘Reggio Emilia Approach’. You can get an idea of the Reggio Emilia Approach here: https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/reggio-emilia-approach/

North American Reggio Emilia Alliancehttps://www.reggioalliance.org/

We Skoolhousehttps://weskoolhouse.com/

Fairy Dust Teachinghttps://fairydustteaching.com/

One of the most comprehensive books on the Reggio Emilia Approach is The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini, George Forman.

What is Numicon?

Numicon is a highly regarded educational tool designed to teach mathematics to young children through a hands-on and visual approach. Developed by Oxford University Press, Numicon aims to make abstract mathematical concepts more concrete and accessible, fostering a deeper understanding and love for mathematics from an early age.

At the core of Numicon are a series of colorful plastic shapes, each representing different numbers. These shapes can be fitted together in various ways, allowing children to visually and physically explore mathematical relationships and concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, and even early multiplication and division. The tactile nature of Numicon helps children develop their number sense and improves their ability to visualize and manipulate numbers.

Numicon is particularly effective because it engages multiple senses and learning styles. By combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, Numicon caters to diverse learners, making it an inclusive educational tool. This multisensory approach not only enhances engagement but also aids in the retention and understanding of mathematical concepts.

One of the key strengths of Numicon is its structured yet flexible framework. Teachers can integrate Numicon into their existing curricula, using it to complement and reinforce their lessons. It provides clear progression paths, ensuring that as children advance, they build on a solid foundation of mathematical understanding.

In addition to classroom use, Numicon has proven beneficial for children with special educational needs. Its clear, visual, and tactile approach can make mathematics more accessible and less intimidating for these students, helping to bridge learning gaps and build confidence.

Overall, Numicon is more than just a teaching tool; it’s a comprehensive program that transforms the way mathematics is taught and learned, making it a valuable asset in early childhood education. By fostering a positive and interactive learning environment, Numicon helps children develop essential mathematical skills that will serve them throughout their academic and everyday lives.