We have learned with our experiences over the years how powerful the environment is in speaking to our values and so when we met together in June to envision how we would redesign our spaces within mandated guidelines that divided us, the word “transparency” became our new mantra. The Reggio principle that says “The Environment is the Third Teacher” took on a whole new meaning and our Plexiglass walls not only became much needed third teachers, but our new best friends!
This year, we observed how the children maintained and created connections across pods in such deep and meaningful ways and so when our West Coast Collaborative (WCC) entitled our conference with our Reggio consultants, Tiziana Filippini and Loretta Bertani, Bridging Boundaries During Challenging Times, we thought it the perfect lens for sharing the children’s work and how they were connecting and making relationships via a variety of messaging strategies through transparent walls while separated across pods (online and on ground). The teachers gathered stories and photos and supported Kristin’s presentation on March 6th. Thanks, again, to all of you who continue to support our Professional Development that keeps us energized in our learning and working together with children. It’s a great story. Take a peek a presentation.
It’s our job, teachers and parents, to walk alongside the children on a path we create together that leads to positive outcomes that are built on the understanding that we are all interconnected as social beings. It begins with intentional teaching, rich materials, and reflective thinking. We’ve come a long way this year, in spite of, or maybe because of, our physical challenges and we are eager to continue this journey of bridging boundaries with renewed earnest. Thanks for coming along the journey with us. We only see good things to come. xoR