Last month, NAREA held their 100 Languages conference in Monterey, California and asked Reggio inspired schools to submit presentation proposals on project work. We submitted two proposals and they were both accepted. Paola, Adriana, Alejandra (EW, Carla’s mommy) and Amy traveled together to present and Roleen was asked to speak on a panel of professionals in the field.
After hours of editing and reflection with the whole staff, Adriana and Alejandra flew to Monterey to present “Beyond Paper Airplanes: deepening children’s experience through listening and collaboration” in both english and spanish. Paola and Amy flew to present: “Sound as Muse: how revisiting traditional ‘music time’ can connect community and support communication through symbols, drawings and literacy.”
While there, an alumni parent who has moved to the San Francisco area invited the Airplane presentation to his current brand new school, Brightworks, as a professional development opportunity for them. Gever Tulley, the director of this brand new school, is also the author of the book, Fifty Dangerous Things (you should let your children do). Last week, Paola and Alejandra flew to San Francisco to share this powerful presentation. Roleen also went to do observation and follow up discussion on the Reggio principles.
Upon their return, Paola recounted the events in a way that revealed to me, the value of sharing our work in a wider community:
“At first, I was reluctant to share my credentials because I feared that they might not take me seriously if they knew I lacked a Master’s Degree. This was not the case. They were thirsty for constructive criticism and help to enrich their schools. Our work inspired people to self-reflect on their own practice and advocate for the children of their communities. My voice was valued because of my experience in education. I was moved by their passion. Making children visible beyond our immediate community is one of the principles of the Reggio Approach that resonates strongly with me. I feel empowered to continue to advocate for all children by working alongside educators and people in other communities. The voices of our children are changing this world one school at a time.”
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