Reggio-Inspired Learning – Duane Smith

Professional development in Prague – ISP

What does one do when in Prague?  You present of course!  Such an amazing city but that aside, IICS had the opportunity to share with the international Early Years community, our approach to learning in the Early Years.

The conference was hosted by the International School of Prague, with the topic being ‘Reggio Inspired Learning’.  This event also provided our CEESA Istanbul Job-Alike colleagues to reconnect and continue their pursuit in learning more about Early Years.

The presenters:

Christine Chaille presented ‘Children and Teachers as Co-Researchers and Theory-Builders’

In this talk, we considered the importance of seeing ourselves as engaged in inquiry with the children we teach.  As theory-builders, we put forth our intentions and make careful plans for provocations and facilitation of the children’s work.  And, as co-researchers, we observe, listen, and document what unfold and respond with flexibility, always respecting the child’s questions.  Narratives and images of teachers who are engaged in this process will be woven throughout in order to illustrate the struggles – and joys – of collaborating with children.

Christine also shared her research into ‘The Power of Questioning:  Supporting and provoking children’s questions’

What kinds of questions do teachers ask children?  And why?  In this discussion we considered the issue of “whose question is it?” that the child is trying to answer.

Mary Marjerrison presented ‘Documentation Boards’:  Making our documentation boards interactive and ongoing, using them with children, colleagues, and/or with parents.

Deb Wilenski and Laura Magnavacchi presented their year-long focus on children’s own story-making and developing our practice of listening. They shared some of the planning and documentation consideration used at Reflections Nursery & Forest School in the United Kingdom.

Each day ended with a walk into the local forest. A great opportunity to reflect on the new learnings and take-aways from this conference.

The IICS Early Years team, represented by Duane Smith, presented their approach to learning in the Early Years. Our Play Based Learning environment has inspired both teachers and students to build a culture of engaging and inquisitive learners. Specific video evidence, parent anecdotes and teacher planning was used to acknowledge how a play and inquiry based program in the Early Years has the capacity to do more than just personalise learning. It has the potential to draw upon all the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Approaches to Learning, allowing students to drive their own curiosities and become self directed in pursuing these.

Participants walked away with with an understanding of how to plan for a Play Based Learning environment that provokes and sparks curiosity for learners. They also explored how documentation of a child allows the community to notice curiosity and plan for the next steps in sustaining it.

Link to google drive IICS presentation:

Link to google drive documents from other presenters: