In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia

On Tuesday, Adriana Hollenbeck, Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay, had a chance to join Dr. Gary Stager and a fantastic group of educators from all over the globe to welcome one of the world’s most admired educators, Professor Carlina Rinaldi, President of the Reggio Emilia Foundation (Fondazione Reggio Emilia). They shared an online conversation about education.

The schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, have a six decade legacy of educational innovation and The Experiential School is honored to find inspiration in this approach, allowing the exceptional educators at Shorecrest to provide a rich and unique environment.

Professor Rinaldi worked side-by-side with Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach, from 1970 until his death in 1994, in the municipal infant toddler and preschool system of Reggio Emilia, where she was the first pedagogical coordinator.

Carla has been working as pedagogical/scientific consultant for Reggio Children, since 1994, following the supervision of all Reggio Children initiatives. She was responsible for research projects in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of New Hampshire and the University of Milan – Bicocca.

"Professor Rinaldi reminded us all that we need to trust the children; that disciplines are tools, not goals; that to learn is to construct connections, and that as human beings we all need time to develop aptitude. Time is the protagonist in constructing a relationship with ourselves and with the world. What an enriching experience!" shared Mrs. Hollenbeck.