the atelier had to be viewed as instrumental in the recovery of the image of the child, which we now saw as richer in resources and interests than we had understood befor
I agree, it is a functional and ever-evolving space that reflects the rich and strong image of the child
He needed to make a statement to the citizens of Reggio Emilia about the importance of preschools, and offer proof of his beliefs.
To offer proof of his beliefs, make an impact and inspire transformation did not happen overnight. It took generations and a lifetime to drive change. This reminds me to be patient in my practice and in my advocacy.
constructing a new culture of education.
a culture that values the culture of children and their hundred languages, centered in relationships and participation
spirit of playfulness as well as respect.
As adults, we sometimes forget the nature of childhood. This is a good reminder that if we wish to enter and understand their world, we must be an active, responsive participant.
fluid, responsive to the changing times
There is no formula to follow in teaching and learning. Our role is constantly evolving, just like our relationships with the children.
W]e need a teacher who is sometimes the director, sometimes the set designer, sometimes the curtain and the backdrop, and sometimes the prompter. A teacher who is both sweet and stern, who is the electrician, who dispenses the paints, and who is even the audience—the audience who watches, sometimes claps, some-times remains silent, full of emotion, who sometimes judges with skepticism, and at other times applauds with enthusiasm.
This paragraph portrays the many languages of teachers. We have the capacity to take on many different roles.
ation-the intriguing shapes and splashes of puddles, the intricate p
It is something I keep reminding myself during my encounters with children. And in order to fully understand their world, we must allow ourselves to enter theirs and be PRESENT.
skills as crawling or walking down hallways, climbing into car seats, puttin
This is the reason why I do not like the feeling of rushing the children in their learning. Children have the right to follow their own pace and to take a break/ or a pause even.
the importance of slowing down
Slowing down is a huge challenge for us educators, given the scope of our roles under a school system/ educational institution. Children are dragged to keep to our pace everyday in the classroom.
sensitivity of the listener
To be able to listen with our heart requires dedicated practice. It is something that I have been reflecting on since I read Vecchi's Right to Express Yourself where she spoke about "sensitive and cultured listening" Imagine what we will learn from children if we manage to shut off the "noise" and become fully present in their experiences.
you alwayscome with pieces of the world attached to you. Sothe meetings that we have are always contaminatedwith the experiences that we bring with us
This spoke to me. Indeed, children are not "empty slates". From birth, they have created and presently creating their own history. We must remember that WE ARE PART of that history- which will in the future influence their beliefs.
Children are very sensitive and can see andsense very quickly the spirit of what is going onamong the adults in their world. They understandwhether the adults are working together in a trulycollaborative way or if they are se
Totally! Children catch subtle cues very easily from interactions among adults. That's why establishing parent-teacher partnerships is very important. Children feel happier and motivated when they see significant adults in their lives are all involved in their education.
within you pushes you to behave incertain ways; it orients you as you talk to the child,listen to the child, observe the child.
I agree that our own behavior towards children reflects the way we perceived them. For this reason, it is crucial to examine our beliefs and most importantly our biases.
uchparticipationbyparentshasallalongremainedanessentialparto
Having worked in different educational institutions I noticed a common vision in schools that emphasizes on parents' vital role in the education. However, I feel that society still sees "the school" and "home"as two separate entities in child development. I really look forward to learning more meaningful ways to connect to families and help bridge this gap. How beautiful it would be to see real partnerships between teachers, parents and the community.