Study Tour on Children, the Natural World, and Materials, Ligonchio, Italy, 2011

Sometime in February, I got an email from Sandy Lanes asking if I would agree to be interviewed for a podcast she hosts called Awakened to Reggio. I listened to an episode that she had posted with friend and colleague, Jennifer Azzariti and was taken in right away through Jennifer’s stories of the Model Early Learning Center in Washington D.C., working with Amelia Gambetti, and what it was like starting out all those many years ago. Sandy’s interviewing style was relaxed yet serious and their conversation and their give and take was fun to listen to. I wrote to Sandy and said, “Yes.”

Sandy sent questions in advance and also told me that she was open to any questions I might want to consider. She asked about what it was like to live and work in the schools of Reggio Emilia for a year, and what it was like to “bring this approach home,” to St. Louis where I worked at The College School and in collaboration with Clayton Schools’ Family Center, The St. Michael School, and Webster University. She asked about my perspectives on collaboration…what does it look like? Why is it important? She asked about the practice of having conversations with children…and how they bridge to learning. She asked about what Ashley and I are doing now when we work with schools.

Natural materials portraits, The College School.

This podcast was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on 30 years of my life and work. It came out pretty well. Sandy asked very provocative and pointed questions, and she is a skillful editor!

Rather than quote myself here, please listen yourself. You will find it also, here, and here and here. It will be a way for us to have a conversation about these ideas, because I am sure that you will have your own experience and your own interpretations about what Sandy and I share.

Listen also to all of Sandy’s podcasts and guests. Among others, Sandy has interviewed Amelia Gambetti, Ann Pelo, Ben Mardell, and Jeanne Goldhaber. All of her podcasts are informative and shed light on Reggio inspired principles and practices from the perspective and experience of her interviewees. Together, the podcasts are like a kaleidoscope of views on an approach that is layered, many faceted, and also, a whole, like its own ecosystem. What a treasure of an archive Sandy is building.

Congratulations Sandy and thank you for inviting me to participate in your Awakened to Reggio podcast!