by Peggy Haack, WECA Outreach Coordinator
Have you seen the internationally acclaimed Reggio Emilia traveling exhibit, The Wonder of Learning, yet? It’s in Madison at the Central Library and the Overture Center for the Arts until May 1, 2019. You don’t want to miss it! And it’s FREE. The exhibit has been described as “a catalyst for far-reaching change in how societies value early learning as a tool for making the world a better place.” To me, this sounds like our purpose.
If you want to explore the wonder of it all with friends, I invite you to one of our remaining “Days of Exploration.” This is an opportunity to experience the exhibit with other professionals and engage in facilitated discussion about what you see… what you think… what makes you wonder… what would you like to try with the children in your care. Sign up and join us for 3 hours of Registry credit on March 30 or April 27.
If you can’t make one of these days, here are some other ways to incorporate the exhibit into your professional development plans:
- Stop by the beautiful Youth Services Room of the Central Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin Street, Madison and take the FREE self-guided tour. Check in with the librarian to get the Study Guide. Don’t forget that a portion of the exhibit – a very cool portion – is next door at the Overture Center in the Playhouse Gallery. Ask a librarian if you need directions. After viewing the exhibit, you can receive 1.5 hours of Registry credit on your own by responding to several reflective questions online. More information on how to do this is at the library.
- Gather some friends and make it an adult Field Trip to downtown Madison! You can make a whole day of it by also visiting the near-by Children’s Museum and/or the State Capitol. If you come during Week of the Young Child (April 8-12) there will be a children’s art show in the Capitol in collaboration with Wonder of Learning called “Opening Doors to Early Learning.”
- Can’t get to Madison, but want to know more about the Reggio Emilia approach? Try a new online workshop: An Introduction to Reggio Emilia, approved by the Wisconsin Registry for 3 hours of Registry credit. To register, visit https://kodo.learnupon.com and search “Reggio Emilia”. No prior experience with Reggio-inspired practices is necessary. There is a $35 fee for this course.