Editor’s contact:
NEWS
Heidi Roberts
Ph. (310) 869-7880
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International “Wonder of Learning” Exhibition
To Open Under the Big Top in Santa Monica on January 29
SANTA MONICA, CA, January 25, 2010 – On January 29
th, “The Wonder of
Learning: The Hundred Languages of Children” will open in a specially constructed
4,500 square foot tent at the 2
nd Street parking structure of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel &
Bungalows here in Santa Monica.
The exhibit, which is open through April, will help inspire parents, educators, and
other advocates for children to better understand the powerful learning that occurs in
early childhood. Visitors will be immersed in the world of the much-admired Reggio
Emilia philosophy of early childhood education and understand how children, from birth,
use many “languages,” such as art, music, play, drama and literacy, to learn about and
make meaning of the world.
The traveling exhibit highlights the work of the children of Reggio Emilia Italy and
is visiting select cities in America in collaboration with NAREA (North American
Reggio Emilia Alliance). For the first time ever, it’s on display here in Southern
California, hosted by the First Presbyterian Nursery School in Santa Monica and Para Los
Niños child-care and preschool centers which serve urban areas in Los Angeles County
who have experienced the value of the Reggio Emilia philosophy with their population of
children. In addition, the West LA Collaborative, a group of five pre schools dedicated to
the Reggio Emilia philosophy, will be hosting initiatives that support professional
development.
2
“We’re privileged to host this exhibition and provide an opportunity for parents,
teachers and citizens in our community to deepen their understanding of how children
learn,” said Mary Hartzell, Director of First Presbyterian Nursery School. “Parents will
see how children, even from the earliest years, are capable, curious and already have
theories about how the world works. After seeing the exhibit, parents may think
differently about their children’s creativity, their ability to learn and the educational
possibilities for all children in our community.”
Gisselle Acevedo, President/CEO of Para Los Niños added, “This exhibit and
related initiatives open an exciting window of opportunity for children, families and
educators throughout Southern California. The Reggio Emilia approach, so vividly
displayed in the exhibition, graphically depicts the true capabilities of all children. I am
proud to join First Presbyterian in creating this bridge of learning that truly connects Los
Angeles,” she concluded.
The “Wonder of Learning” exhibition was developed to inspire both educators
and parents alike. Its self-standing “big top” heated tent is located at 1129 Second Street,
Santa Monica CA 90401, on a lot donated by the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.
It is free to all and will be open from January 29 through April 25, 2010 on Thursdays
from 4 to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 to 4 pm and Sundays from 12 to 4 pm. Valet parking
is available at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and public transportation
information can be found at
www.bigbluebus.com or by calling (310) 451-5444.
Local Information: www.reggioexhibitla.com
Exhibit Information: www.thewonderoflearning.com
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