Reflection on Reggio -Inspired Wayne State University Seminar

 

We attended a Reggio-inspired seminar at Wayne State University on April 25^th 2009. Barbra Acton the executive director of the Childhood League Center in Columbus, Ohio, was the keynote speaker. A prevalent idea in Barbra’s discussion was the importance of valuing children with special rights. The Childhood League Center strongly supports children with special rights and believes that learning progresses mutually among children, peers, teachers, and families. Barbra Acton used The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor throughout her dialogue.

This strategy was a unique way of capturing the audience’s attention, as it emphasized the importance of developing a relationship with children. Barbara used the example of a scarecrow who needed a brain, a tin man who needed a heart, and a lion who needed courage to reach his goal. This metaphor allows an educationalist to realize that love, understanding/wisdom, and courage enhance a child’s developmental process.

 

Furthermore, Barbra emphasized developing a strong relationship with children, as it is a key to better learning. Once we establish a connection with children we are able to communicate with them and consequently, more willing to listen. She stated, “opportunity to listen is possibility to change”. This is so true! We as adults do not realize in the humdrum of our busy schedule, that we must stop and listen to our children. Once we listen to them we understand the world through their perspective. As we build the bridge of communication by listening to our children, we attain a broader perspective and thus become more willing to change our views.

As Barbra spoke of the Reggio  philosophy, which also is implemented in The Childhood League Center, she mentioned the motivating interview with Vea  Vecchi  about communication.  In her interview Vea says , “Children have a very basic need to communicate”. All day, children try their level best to communicate, but sometimes they are misunderstood. As Vea mentioned, “misunderstanding can arise not only through a child’s choice of words, but also through the listener’s expectations of the child”. I agree completely, we do not listen through the perspective of a child. Every child has a desire to love and be loved. We must realize that to know someone requires familiarity with his or her surroundings and what is happening in his or her life. Barbra gave an excellent example of the new British singer, Susan Boyle. When she first stepped onto the stage, people could never believe that she possessed such a beautiful voice. As she started to sing everyone was struck with amazement and enjoyed her melodious song.

Usually people make false judgments about others without considering the many factors affecting their lives. As Barbra showed a series of children’s pictures, she asked the audience to give their view about the child in each picture.  After receiving everyone’s views, she revealed the true circumstances of each child. It was surprising to see the stark contrast between our original opinions and our opinions after knowing the reality of the situation.

The seminar was not only thought provoking, but also a great learning opportunity to understand the language of special rights children. As early childhood educationalists, we must remember along with teaching we do indeed learn from children. Learning and teaching is a reciprocated process between children and adults. As we encourage a child to explore, we also learn from them to become more patient and observant.

Particularly for myself, this seminar revived the importance of documenting and photographing in a series to evaluate a child’s progress over time. I often implement this strategy in my photographic observations, as seen below. ** Additionally, love is a basic need of every child and can do wonders in the progress of special rights children. Out of all the great learning ideas, the idea that I most deeply absorbed was that of improving communication and developing a relationship with a child and his or her environment.