Using Our Experiences with Infants to Tell the Stories of Their Capabilities

Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/using-our-experiences-with-infants-to-tell-the-stories-of-their-capabilities/5018530/

Entering the infant room

I am a teacher at Boulder Journey School. For the past 12 years, the faculty of our school has been engaged in a study of the schools for young children in Reggio Emilia, Italy. By studying these inspiring schools, we find hope for our profession. Early childhood teachers in Reggio Emilia and other northern Italian cities carry a strong image of children and teachers, and are strongly supported by their communities. As an individual, my experience at Boulder Journey School has taught me to cultivate my sense of respect for children and parents. I have learned to view each child as capable, and to view myself as a professional who is capable of facilitating the multitude of complex experiences that shape young children’s understandings of the human and
physical world.

In the fall of 2007, I entered the infant room for the first time as a teacher after several years with preschool and toddler-aged children. I was prepared for new experiences, nervous and excited at the same time about all I would encounter. I asked myself many questions as I formed expectations:

• Would I like the infant room?
• Would it be too ...