Reclaiming Collectivism in Early Childhood Education

Hiya Conscious Community,

When we hear the term Reggio Emilia, we often think of its beautiful classrooms—natural light, thoughtful materials, and aesthetic presentation. But at its core, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is much more than its surface beauty. It’s rooted in collectivism, a powerful concept that emerged after World War II, when communities in Reggio Emilia, Italy, rebuilt their lives through a shared sense of responsibility and mutual support.

This week, I want to draw attention to this often-overlooked aspect of Reggio Emilia—the theme of collectivism. It's a reminder that education isn’t just about individual achievement but about creating a space where learning happens within relationships, where the community supports the child, and the child supports the community.

From Reggio Emilia to Ubuntu: A Broader View of Collectivism

The idea of collectivism in education is not unique to Reggio Emilia. Similar values can be found in the Ubuntu philosophy from Southern Africa, which teaches us "I am because we are." This philosophy emphasizes that our humanity is bound up in one another, that we exist and thrive through relationships with others.

Many Indigenous cultures across the globe also hold this belief that knowledge is shared, learned, and passed on through collective experiences rather than individual pursuits. These traditions remind us that fostering a sense of belonging and community in the classroom is essential for nurturing the whole child.

Collectivism and Social Justice: Moving Beyond the Individual

The connection between collectivism and social justice is clear. In a world where individualism often reigns, reclaiming the value of community helps us move towards a more equitable and just society. By teaching our children the importance of working together, of understanding their role in a collective, we are preparing them to challenge systems of inequality.

For educators and parents, this might look like fostering group activities where every child has a voice, encouraging collaborative problem-solving, or creating classroom environments where the we is emphasized just as much as the I.

How Can We Start?

Here are a few actionable steps to bring this collectivist approach to life in your classroom or home:

• Create spaces for group dialogue: Allow children to express their ideas and listen to each other, helping them see the value in different perspectives.

• Celebrate cooperation over competition: Shift the focus from winning to working together to solve problems or complete tasks.

• Model collective care: Show children how we can support one another’s growth through acts of kindness, sharing, and inclusion.

Book Recommendations

To dive deeper into these themes, I recommend the following books that beautifully explore the power of collectivism and community. Each is written by Black and Brown authors and offers rich stories for children and adults alike:

• "Lubaya’s Quiet Roar" by Marilyn Nelson – A gentle story about a young girl who quietly contributes to a collective movement for justice.

• "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson – A heartwarming reminder that our differences make us stronger as a community.

• "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom – Inspired by Indigenous-led movements, this book highlights how we can stand together for a cause greater than ourselves.

• "Circle of Caring and Sharing" by Theresa Larsen-Jonasson – A wonderful introduction to Indigenous perspectives on caring for each other and the environment.

By introducing these ideas in simple, yet powerful ways, we can begin to embed the values of collectivism into our everyday practice, helping children understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Final Thoughts

In my conversation with Dr. Elianny Edwards, “ Creating Safe and Empowering Spaces for Students” on the Conscious Pathways Podcast we spoke about safety and belonging in the classroom. Dr. Edwards has a beautiful vision of school as collectivist spaces that I think you’ll love just as much as I did. As you reflect on these ideas, consider how you might cultivate this sense of collectivism with the children in your life. It’s a small but meaningful step toward re-imagining education and, ultimately, toward building a more just and connected world.

With love and learning,
Brittney Carey

Affiliate Link Disclaimer:
In this newsletter, you'll find carefully curated book recommendations that support social justice learning for all ages. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This helps support my work at no additional cost to you. You can also choose to support a local bookstore through Bookshop.org. Thank you for your support and for joining me in re-imagining education!