Reggio at Home: Project Corners

What Is a Project Corner?

A Project Corner is an invitation for children to investigate something they are curious about. It can evolve over time, grow with your child’s ideas and encourage longer-term thinking. It supports children to make choices, revisit materials and build knowledge through play and exploration. 

How to Set One Up

1. Start With Your Child’s Interests

Notice what your child is naturally drawn to. This might be birds, weather, vehicles, shadows, plants, building or something completely unique to them. Use this as the starting point. 

2. Gather a Few Open-Ended Materials

Choose items your child can explore in different ways. For example: 

If they love birds:

You could gather feathers, add pictures of birds, and nest‑building materials such as twigs  

3. Follow Their Lead

Rather than directing the activity, offer gentle prompts such as: 

• “What do you notice?” 

• “What do you think will happen next?” 

• “Is there anything else you want to add to your project space?” 

This approach helps children feel ownership of their learning. 

4. Add Materials Over Time

As your child explores, new ideas will naturally appear. If they begin drawing, you might offer coloured pencils. If they become fascinated by light, you could add a mirror or translucent objects. A Project Corner is meant to change and grow. 

5. Document Their Discoveries

Display drawings, photos, collections (stones, leaves, feathers) or simple notes together. This creates a visible record of their learning journey and helps children reflect on what they have discovered. 

Learning benefits

• They encourage independent thinking 

• They support curiosity and problem‑solving 

• They offer opportunities for language and early literacy 

• They make learning meaningful and child‑led 

• They fit easily into everyday home life 

Children learn best when they feel free to explore, and a project corner gives them a space to do exactly that. 

Ideas to Try

• Light and Shadows Corner – torches, translucent objects, white surface 

• Nature Collectors Corner – leaves, pinecones, magnifying glass, notebook 

• Builders Corner – blocks, photos of structures, measuring tools 

• Colour Corner – coloured objects, cellophane, mirrors 

• Mini Garden Corner – seedlings, soil, spray bottle, observation chart