Long ago when themes ruled the classrooms every child produced a carbon copy of work and teachers believed they all had one voice. The truth is they had no voice and no choice. They existed in a space that set clear guidelines.
The teacher's role was was to fill the child's empty cup with facts.
The child's role was to listen and follow.
The pebble of change was cast into the water many years ago, when educators began to hear the whisper of a better way to engage with children in the classroom; the Reggio way. Call it what you will inquiry based, child directed, inspired learning. You can write the documents in any which way but it all comes from the wonder of learning that is Reggio.
We will all find our own way of bringing Reggio home. There is no right way or wrong way-just your way of taking the guiding principles of this unique approach and melding it with your own beliefs.
However, in order to truly embrace change there must be one fundamental shift, the child must be respected as a contributor, participant, and co learner in the journey of learning, instead of an empty cup.
If you master this then the rest will come.
All children have powerful voices.
It is a wondrous moment when the teacher finally hears them.
What a beautifully written piece on child voice - I especially loved the last line! It really resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jackie!
ReplyDeleteWhat you have posted is inspiring and I would love to share it with other teachers to start discussions. Are you okay with this if I credit you?
ReplyDeleteYes please feel free to share!
ReplyDelete