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Reflections on Reggio Emilia
April 9, 2008
And now we welcome the New Year, full of things that have never been.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
-Rainer Maria Rilke
"I thought I left home with an open mind, a supply of film, and plenty of pencils. But I wasn't prepared. I have visited wonderful programs for young children across the United States, and I didn't want to forget that. As we began listening and visiting, people would ask, 'Isn't this wonderful?' 'Can you believe it?' 'Do you get it?' I would respond with a verbal 'Yes' and a mental 'but. . . .'
"I had carefully secured the doorstop in my mind, a secure (or so I thought) place from which to hold on to my reservations. I did not want to be blown out of my comfort zone. But as conversations and days passed, the flood of impressions and ideas not only moved the doorstop, they tore the door from its hinges.
"The schools in Reggio Emilia are wonderful places for children and adults to spend their days, working and learning together. They have grown out of a culture that values children, out of the intense commitment of a group of parents, out of the leadership of a visionary man. They have a long history; they have evolved over time. These schools are rooted in the culture that created them.
"It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, for us to try to replicate the Reggio schools in the United States. But it would be foolish to miss or reject the opportunity to learn from them. Whether we study what they have done intensely or whether we visit Italy briefly or attend their seminars here, or whether we read about what they are doing, each of these experiences is an opportunity to change, to look at what we are doing, and to work and live more thoughtfully."
"Unpacking My Questions and Images..." is one of seven articles on Reggio Emilia included in one of the latest Exchange modules that you can read to receive a CEU from University of Wisconsin-Stout. Other modules just released are...
- Food and Nutrition Challenges
- Outdoor Play Environments
- Observation and Assessment
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GOOGLE HIRING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS:
Google has expanded its employee child development program by opening a world-class children's center in Mountain View, California and is now hiring teachers.
Comments (14)
Displaying All 14 CommentsMumbai, mumbai, India
There are many benefits of Reggio Emilia approach.The surrounding physical environment is crucial to the Reggio Emilia's early childhood programme, and is often referred to as the child's "third teacher."
http://www.sisprep.net/curriculam.html
Encinitas, CA, United States
We are moving to Lucerne, Switzerland. How can I find a Reggio school there?
Miami, Florida, United States
I'm moving to Hong Kong, My son is attending a Reggio Emilia pre-school in Miami and I really love that Philosophy.
Please advise if there are any Reggio Schools in HONG KONG.
Thank You
India
I think Reggio Emilia philosophy is a tonic for a child's brain when they are young.
I am trained ECE from Vancouver, Canada and want to know if there are any seminars held in mumbai,india or any pre-schools which work on this philosophy in Mumbai.
Thks
London, UK, United Kingdom
Please advise if there are any Reggio Schools in India or Nepal
with thanks
Homemaker
burnaby, BC, Canada
I am very interested in the Reggio philosophy preschool.
could you give me some information about RE preschool in Burnaby BC Canada.
thanks
Learning Tree Montessori
Seattle, WA, United States
I love Reggio too. But I am a Montessori educator and I believe Montessori is also a wonderful approach to Early Learning. Could Bonnie do an article on a high quality full day Montessori program? Learning Tree is a good model, as we are a seamless childcare with trained Montessori teachers from 7:30-5:30 with a strong emphasis on anti-bias, parent involvement, with diverse enrollment.
Thanks,
Laura Holt
Buds N Blooms School
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
We are based about 200 kms away from Mumbai a city in Maharashtra. The facilities available for upgradation of teaching methods and oppotunities in education innovations are not available . Request you to post me with available online training programs in Early childhood teaching method viz Reggio Emilia ..
The Family Center
Miami, Fl, United States
I wanted to learn more about Reggio and see if I could add to my curriculum by incorporating some of its philosophies. I attended a conference and was able to walk through a center. However, the center looked like a showcase and we were not allowed to come back when children were there. I have yet to be able to see Reggio in action. What is the rest of the class doing while a teacher intensly "documents" one child's work? How does a class full of three year olds respond to a room full of glass containers of sorted beads? Just wondering.
American International School of Rotterdam
Netherlands
I described my upcoming trip to Reggio as the "mecca" of early childhood education when I participated in a study group two years ago. Yes, I admit I smirked at other study group participants who excitedly took photos of a "Reggio bus stop" as I tried to process all the hope and faith we, as North Americans, had put into this experience before us. But, as Bonnie's writing indicates, we can't hope to replicate a program that has such a long-term commitment from people. I haven't worked at the same grade level more than two years in a row, how can my experience compare to the consistency and understanding of children and their learning that the folks at Reggio have? Let alone, the belief that comes from being willing to sort through a pile of bricks to start a building!
I treasure my experience at Reggio in that they taught me I have to make my own story. I can't hope to copy theirs!
Creative Child Care, Inc.
Stockton, California, United States
Is there a World Forum excursion planned for this area? If so, sign me up! During a vacation in Italy a few years ago, I was lucky to be able to walk through one of these centers. I was astounded by the environmental beauty of the centers, as well as the engaged interaction between the adults and children. There was a happy "hum" coming from every beautiful corner of the facility. I want to see more!!
Creative Child Care, Inc.
Stockton, California, United States
Is there a future "World Forum" in the works to this region of Italy that would allow indepth study of the schools and philosophy? If so, sign me up!
During a visit to Italy, I was able to walk through one of the centers. During my quick 10 minutes, I was enchanted by the environmental beauty and the joyous hum of activity generated by both the adults and children. Everyone was busily engaged in their work. I want to see more!!
Dublin, CA, United States
I am a fan of the Reggio philosophy of working with children. I was first introduced to this philosophy in my early childhood training in Vancouver, BC in the early 1990's.Later, I attended a summer program at the Univ of Victoria, to learn about 'Childcare Internationally' where I met and learned from Prof.Rebecca New who had just returned from perhaps her 17th study trip to Reggio.
As students we were touched to learn from the incredible slides and experiences that our Professor shared about Reggio. The little that I sponged of the valuable philosophy, changed my working style with children. I imbibed its incredible values for a lifetime!
I continue to implement in my work and presentations, the value of maintaining a shared partnership with families in our work with children. I do understand and respect many of the feelings of the author, in her article.
Step Ahead Preschool
Walnut Creek, CA, United States
I have just read the complete article and the first word that comes to mind is "brava"...it fed this hungry heart with excitment and joyful anticipation...I will keep it fresh in my mind and begin to think of ways...things...to incorporate it into my teaching...no, into my experiences with the children...
Thank you for being eyes and ears...thought and heart...for giving the children in Reggio Emelia a voice so even though I was not there I heard them...I saw them...I felt their laughter...
I woke up this morning expecting a regular wonderful day and this "gift" was waiting for me...thank you, thank you, thank you...
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