Editor:
I thank Christine Wood for the excellent articles "Student-led curriculum inspiring" and "Sechelt Nation returns to its roots" (Coast Reporter, March 22).
Since January 2012, I have been involved in activities pertaining to the work in Reggio Emilia, beginning with an invitation to a meeting in the Coquitlam school district to introduce a Reggio inspired program for primary age children.
Educators from Calgary and Edmonton spoke of their schools where the work began about eight years ago. The program at Meadowbrook School has now started successfully for 80 children with teachers citing the same benefits as those reported at mom-ay-mon.
Educators from all over the world visit Reggio Emilia, and for those who are unable to go to Italy, there is a large travelling exhibit showing the work, which was brought to the New Westminster quay for six months last year. I attended the opening and a subsequent conference about various aspects of the philosophy.
My interest stems from our work in a Vancouver public school when the inspiration came from the child-centred programs for children ages three to eight in Britain, which sadly no longer exist. While interest in our program was high, after 20 years it waned when teachers were faced with cutbacks, testing and prescribed learning outcomes. I have worked hard since writing and speaking to keep the ideas alive (see www.honouringthechild.com).
Currently, the government is involved in a collaborative process to transform B.C.'s curriculum allowing for greater innovation in order to personalize learning. The principles which guided my work and those in Reggio Emilia are featured. I urge educators and parents to embrace change. See children's interest in learning heightened and how they collaborate and cooperate with each other respectfully, valuing differences as their differences are valued.
Pamela Proctor, Gibsons
