Sunday March 15
"Introductions"
We met the rest of our group from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Susan, Rosemary, Jen, Rachel, Giovanne, Darcy, Katie, Ilana,
and Lauren. We begin our study tour with a history walking tour of the city of Pistoia with Philomena, our very knowledgeable tour guide. Historically, Pistoia is a city along the route for
religious pilgrimage. The town has many church sites with relics and beautiful
works of art surrounding the religious theme.We certainly felt like we were on our own pilgrimage of sorts--one for early childhood educators!
Monday March 16
“You don’t learn alone.”
We started our morning with a cup of cappuccino and then were off to visit to Villa Baldi
Papini (Center for Early Childhood in the town of Pistoia). Here we met the pedagogical coordinators for the town of Pistoia.
Donatella (0-3 year olds Infant/Toddler Centers) and Laura (3-6 year old
preschools) work very closely together at the Villa Baldi Papini. They gave a presentation about the philosophy and history of
these schools and programs. They have a firm belief that children have rights,
can clearly interpret the world in which and politically supports these
infant/toddler and preschool programs. The children understand there is a
system that cares for them. There is an understanding that it takes so many
people to make this rich early childhood experience possible. Donatella expressed,
“we know that it is not instruction from teacher to child, but that children
learn from their relationship with the world.” She described the important
cornerstones of the “Tuscan Approach” which include the quality of the
environment and programs for young children, the value of the relationships
with families, and the integration of schools within the cultural context to
create these schools of childhood. The “Tuscan Approach” is not based on an
application of a particular method drawn from one writer or school of
educational thought. Instead, it draws from many inspirations including
psychological, educational, political, and anthropological. It is a bottom up
approach, instead of top down, that reflects a community experience that meets
up with theory. There is a holistic vision of the child in which there is a
belief that there is no separation between care and education or between body
and mind. The educators truly believe that all children have great potential in
the midst of this educational ecosystem. Their schools are places which honor
the child’s curiosity and need to engage with the world. There is value in
teamwork, in collaboration between schools and families. This also implies that
teachers also do not grow alone, as they invite others into the educational
process, they are creating exponential growth for everyone.
While in Pistoia we were welcomed into many schools and
family and community centers of learning.
LagoMago (Magic
Lake) Infant/Toddler Center for 0-3 year old children, surrounded by nature in
Pistoia’s large Puccini Park
Scuola Dell’Ifanzia Parco
Drago (Dragon Park) Preschool for 3-6 year old children where there is a focus
on creating an atmosphere of well being for preschool children where attention
to freedom of expression and originality are at the center of their work.
Asilo Nido Il Faro Infant/Toddler Center for 1-3 year old children, with a focus on imagination
and storytelling
Scuola Dell’Infanzia
Marino Marini Preschool for 3-6 year old children with a focus on the
integration of science, nature, and art
Il Nido (The Nest) Infant/Toddler Center for 0-3 year old children
Area Bambini Blu
(Blue) Children’s Center for 0-10 year old children an atelier which offers children
opportunities to express themselves through a variety of art experiences.
Area Bambini Rosa (Red) Children and Family Center
specifically designed for very small infants and toddlers, 0-3 year old
children. Also offers parent education and support.
Area Bambini Gialla (Yellow)
Children and Family Center for 0-10 year old children, with a focus on
storytelling and the construction of games and toys.
Area Bambini Verde
(Green) Children’s Center for 0-10 year old children, with a focus on the
integration of science, the environment, nature, and art.
Until next time, ciao!
Kirsten and Laurie
