Lesley University’s Reggio Inspired Conference Pre-Institute Day…
“Messing About in Science - Making Visible the Thinking and Ideas of David and Frances Hawkins: Supporting Continued Action in Teaching and Learning”
…a day filled with panel presentations, workshops, and dialogue.
Background: The Hawkins’ relationship with Boulder Journey School
Educators at Boulder Journey School met long time Boulder residents David and Frances Hawkins as a result of our study of the schools for young children in Reggio Emilia. It was November, 1995 when we attended our first sessions focusing on the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education at a conference in Washington, DC. The ideas presented in those sessions resonated with many of our strongly held beliefs about children, so we bought several copies of the book, The Hundred Languages of Children, determined to learn more. We were surprised and delighted to find that the author of the chapter titled, Remarks: Malaguzzi’s Story, Other Stories was David Hawkins, an emeritus professor at the University of Colorado. We contacted David and Frances, and within hours a relationship had begun.
From 1995-2002 the Hawkins’ were frequent and welcome visitors at Boulder Journey School, working with mentor and intern teachers. Frances as the passionate and dedicated early childhood educator, consultant and author, filled our minds and hearts with stories of individual children, while David, as the equally passionate philosopher, scientist, mathematician and educator made connections between Frances’ stories and classic and contemporary theories of teaching and learning. Needless to say, we remain honored and grateful for the gift of their knowledge, wisdom and friendship.
Many educators at Boulder Journey School are currently involved in an innovative initiative, Hawkins Centers of Learning, inspired by the work and lives of David and Frances Hawkins. Hawkins Centers of Learning is dedicated to bringing together those individuals who want to build a more thoughtful, democratic and peaceful way of thinking, being and doing. The Centers span communities and cultures, educational disciplines and experiences, gender and ages, and time and space. The intention is for Hawkins Centers of Learning to evoke thinking through collaborative deliberation, dialogue and exchange, and the inspiration and support of vision and active change.
Until recently, Hawkins Centers of Learning has focused on small grass-roots gatherings and projects. Hosting the pre-conference day at Lesley University’s 2010 Reggio Emilia Institute is a new and amazing opportunity for Hawkins Centers of Learning to connect with the Reggio Emilia inspired community. Additionally, several Boulder Journey School faculty members will both present and lead small group explorations, together with institute participants.
Please forward the attached brochure to colleagues and friends. We hope to see you in Cambridge in April.
Back to Conferences page |
