Listening to the amazing women at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center speak with pride & passion about their work with children in Reggio Emilia is so inspiring!
There is an incredible amount of wisdom in their words & experiences. There is so much more I want to learn.
One particular statement stood out for me today – “We must give children the freedom to find & create their own opportunities.”
Children are born ready to be part of the world. We are here to walk alongside them in their journey. Sometimes, however, it can be so easy to simply lead them down our own path. In doing this we miss the path of learning they are ready & eager to take.
I listened to a story about a group of Reggio teachers who took their children a piazza to learn about the markets & the history of the markets. Once at the piazza, the teachers realized the children had their own path. The curiosities of thechildren led them to explore the lion statues in front of the church. (Who could blame them? The statues are definitely a draw!)
Fortunately for those children, the teachers recognized the importance of the children’s curiosity. Instead of Insisiting on their original plan, the teachers allowed the children the freedom to explore the opportunities of the glorious lions!
I wish I could have been there to hear the children’s questions & feel their joy.
I hope I can always remember this story & give the “lion” to the children in my life.