Each child is unique and the protagonist of his or her own growth.
—Loris Malaguzzi, developer of the Reggio Emilia approach to education
Always begin with your image of the child. Who is the infant, toddler, or preschooler in your care? Reflect upon his days in your care—what would a day look like from his perspective? What does a child have a right to explore? What does a child have a right to experience? How do children learn? What should children learn? Does the curriculum engage children in active meaningful experiences? How does your environment set the stage for every child to learn, live, and be in your setting? Do you make time to be present to each child’s thinking? How would the child know this? Are you curious about each child’s development and wonder what you can do to support his learning?
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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