Inspired by Reggio: A Transformative Learning Journey

Recipients of the St. Patrick’s Educational Innovation Grant, Early Childhood teachers Elizabeth Gambal ‘06, Iesha Myhand, and Shuyi Peng recently traveled to Reggio Emilia for a week-long international study group at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, immersing themselves in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where children are seen as the protagonists of their own learning and teachers as co-researchers in discovery. The Educational Innovation Grant Program is offered jointly by the Parents Association and the Day School to promote innovation in educational programs, pedagogies, and technologies.

Through documentation, dialogue, and hands-on exploration, they experienced what it means to create environments that invite children to think deeply, move slowly, and express themselves in the languages that inspire them most. 

The three educators shared the following quotes about their experience at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre.

🍃 “It’s been hard to fully capture this experience concisely, but for me it’s been a mindset shift. The philosophy is not just creating beautiful and aesthetic classroom environments: it’s creating spaces and energies that invite children to think with their hands, work slowly, research, explore materials and the world around them in languages that they are drawn to. In these times of fast-paced instant gratification, it is important to remember and make space for these inherently human instincts and abilities” — Ms. Gambal (PK3B)

🎨 “I cannot imagine a better experience for educators looking to deepen their knowledge and connection to the Reggio philosophy. We experienced what it looks like to set up a beautiful learning foundation for children centered around art, collaboration, and the environment!” — Ms. Myhand (PK4A)

👐 “It was such a meaningful and inspiring week, and I’m still processing everything we experienced. One highlight for me was a clay workshop with Mirella Ruozzi, the author of Clay. It really deepened my understanding of how clay supports children’s sensory exploration, creativity, and expression, and how to introduce clay to young children in a more thoughtful, open-ended way.” — Ms. Peng (PK3A)

In a fast-paced world, this work reminds us of the power of slowing down and the magic that happens when we do.