Over the past few months Marcello has been part of a small work group that
has looked at the Wonders of Learning Exhibit.  In the process our kids have
connected with a small work group of children at First Pres whose school is
intimately involved with this exhibition. Last week our group ventured out
to visit their new friends at First Pres and together went to the Wonders of
Learning exhibit just down the street from their school.

Will, Marcello, Griffin and Paloma each explored the interactive space
freely. They gravitated to buttons that when pushed made sounds of shoes
dropping, scrapping, tapping or walking; the "light robots" which were an
exploration of the Italian children on light reflection; the hands on light
table; and a textural sound sculpture. For being an environment mostly for
adults and teachers it was wonderful to watch our children explore and
comment on what they were witnessing.

One hopes with each educational outing that there there will be a lasting
positive impression that our kids will remember or be influenced by. I have
certainly seen how my son Marcello has learned concepts, vocabulary,
exploration skills and the confidence to express his ideas as a result of
being at NSW and immersed in the Reggio approach.

I was therefore delighted to watch Marcello use his new found template of
skills at home. In a quiet moment at home he took all his musical
instruments and re-created the sound sculpture he had seen at the Wonders of
Learning. He spent time drawing his creation (in pencil so he could use the
eraser). We talked about how it might be played and had a jam session. And I
documented the process with photos. It was a true Reggio inspired moment at
home and upon reflection I can see just how much we both have learned.

Ilaan Egeland Mazzini