Loris Malaguzzi in the UK: what future for early childhood education?

A day hosted by Sightlines Initiative and the Thomas Coram Research Unit

14th May 2016 at UCL Institute of Education, London

“[At the end of the war] these were times when everything seemed possible... It was the ridiculous capacity of being able to think anything, and to think that anything could be physically realised.”

“There are rich children and poor children. We [in Reggio] say all children are rich, there are no poor children. All children whatever their culture, whatever their lives are rich, better equipped, more talented, stronger, and more intelligent than we can suppose.”

“Our strength in resisting for so many years comes precisely from this fact that every other week, every other fortnight, every month, something unexpected, something that surprised us or made us marvel, something that disappointed us, something that humiliated us, would burst out in a child or in the children...To be capable of maintaining this gift of marvelling and wonder is a fundamental quality in a person working with children.”

These are the words of Loris Malaguzzi, one of the great educators of the 20th century. His legacy is the remarkable early childhood education in the municipal schools of Reggio Emilia, subject of world-wide interest and admiration. To mark the publication of a new book of selected writings and speeches by Malaguzzi, available for the first time in English, this day provides a unique opportunity to explore the ideas and practices of Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia; and to think critically about the current condition and future directions for early childhood education in the UK - and what we want for our children and society. The day is organised and led by leading experts on Reggio Emilian pedagogy, from Italy, Sweden and the UK.

The programme

The morning (9.45-12.30) – In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia - offers a choice between two parallel sessions: an Encounter with Reggio Emilia, including a showing of the film ‘Not Just Anyplace’ followed by a Q&A with Paola Cagliari and Penny Lawrence; and Narratives of Change, a seminar with Gunilla Dahlberg.

The afternoon (1.30 – 5.00) – Loris Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia – will offer three contributions on the life and work of Loris Malaguzzi and their significance for early childhood education in the UK, from Paola Cagliari, Gunilla Dahlberg and Peter Moss. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion. This plenary session will be introduced and chaired by Mary Jane Drummond.

The speakers

Paola Cagliari is the Director of the Istituzione Scuole e Nidi d’infanzia, the organisation responsible for Reggio Emilia’s schools for young children, and a former teacher and pedagogista who worked with Loris Malaguzzi.

Gunilla Dahlberg is a professor at the University of Stockholm, a member of the Reggio Institute in Sweden and a leading expert on the early childhood education in Reggio Emilia.

Mary Jane Drummond is a writer, researcher and former teacher, who has been ‘learning from Reggio’ since discussions with Malaguzzi during her first visit to the region in 1991.

Peter Moss is a professor at UCL Institute of Education, and the English-language editor for the new book ‘Loris Malaguzzi and the Schools of Reggio Emilia: A Selection of his Writings and Speeches, 1945-1993’

Penny Lawrence is a lecturer at Winchester University, and has spent three years as a video-documenter/atelierista with the preschools of Reggio Emilia

Who should attend?

The day will be of great value for anyone who wants to go deeper into the history, ideas and practices of Loris Malaguzzi and the world-famous early childhood education in Reggio Emilia with leading experts on the subject; and to think alongside others about their possible contribution to the future development of early childhood education in the United Kingdom. It will speak to a wide range of people including practitioners, students, lecturers, researchers, parents and policy-makers...anyone who welcomes provocation, inspiration and dialogue with this important educational project and experience.

Cost

The day will cost £195, including refreshments and lunch.

Full-time student discount: There will be a limited number of 50% discounted places at £97.50 for full-time first degree undergraduate, pgce students and MA students. If you qualify, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your student number and course details to apply for your coupon code. You will need this to complete your application. NB: The current discount places have now all been taken: we may be able to release more nearer the time. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be placed on a waiting list.
Sightlines Network Members discount: Members qualify for a 10% discount. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that she can send you your discount code, which you will need  for the booking form.

There will be a book stall, including the new book 'Loris Malaguzzi and the Schools of Reggio Emilia'.

For more information about the day contact Robin Duckett This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..