On the surface, Reggio-inspired education and Nature School appear similar. They are both child-centered, value exploration, support hands-on experiential learning, are emergent, and respect children’s autonomy. However, there are differences beyond the physical environment. The first noticeable distinction is the complexity and attention to detail. In Reggio-inspired practice, every aspect of the theory is carefully considered and thoughtfully implemented. There is a rationale underlying every core concept or idea. In contrast, the theory underpinning Nature School is less intricate.
Research suggests that both Reggio-inspired programs and Nature Schools yield similar learning outcomes. However, the main difference lies in the experiences children gain. Children from Reggio-inspired programs often have more exposure to diverse materials, resulting in more developed artistic or linguistic expression. On the other hand, children from Nature-based programs tend to develop a stronger relationship with and more empathy for the natural world.