Curriculum

Dr. Saab, from West Virginia University (WVU), didn’t waste any time initiating the session – which is good because she had a lot of information to share! The graduate program in Early Childhood Education at WVU includes study of international early childhood education programs from Reggio Emilia Preschools [Italy], Montessori Schools [Italy], Forest Kindergartens [Germany & Austria], Head Start Programs [USA], and a wide variety of program models used across the United States and the world.

Italy
•1980 Exhibit “The Hundred Languages of Children”
•1994 Reggio Children and Friends

The last time I had an opportunity to attend a session led by Bev Bos was in the early 90s. I was a preschool teacher and our Florida NAEYC chapter sponsored a session. I remember like it was yesterday the excitement I felt being in a room with this amazing woman! The session was on a Saturday and the following day I spent outdoors and at the hardware store gathering items for school the following day. I simply could not wait! Bev is still as inspiring, encouraging, and rejuvenating as I remember!

This session was presented by the amazing educators and editors of Insights and Inspirations from Reggio Emilia: Stories of Teachers and Children from North America. I found it challenging to take notes while Lella Gandini spoke. She has a soft, calming voice and such powerful insights to share. She, and the other presenters, were truly inspirational!

The above mentioned book is organized by the following themes:
1. Child image
2. Teacher image
3. Children and being respectful
4. The hundred languages of children
5. Power of communication

The session began with Dr. Brennan sharing research on concept mapping with preschoolers. Mr. Bock and Ms. Hwang then described concept maps they’ve done with their students. Throughout the session examples were shown to attendees. Both Mr. Bock and Ms. Hwang suggested using tangible items when working with preschoolers on a concept map (items from nature, pictures from magazines, photos, etc.). They also explained the importance of allowing students to classify items and revisit and revise as often as they like.

Kelly Lenihan is a lead teacher at the University of Michigan’s Dearborn campus Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC). Mrs. Lenihan’s session focused on a Growing Project that was inspired when she realized that eight of her families were expecting babies and that this was on the minds of many of her students and their families. Through a project-based approach a variety of preschool standards were met.

Mrs. Lenihan described to attendees the ECEC environment:
-Reggio inspired program
-6 Classrooms – each classroom was in a cottage and children could visit rooms/centers as they wished