Exploration of Identities - A Year Long Study

I have been thinking deeply this summer about the ways in which children form identities for themselves each day as they play, learn, and interact with the broader world. I am making a concerted effort, along with my teaching team, to bring this identity exploration to the forefront of our days together in our preschool classroom. The following is an excerpt of the statement I will be sending home to families at the beginning of the school year to inform them of our efforts. My hope is that this first statement will start a conversation with families that will lead to a contribution in the discussion of identities for the entire school year.

Exploring the construction of identities is one of many powerful facets of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Another is the view of teacher as researcher, helping children co-construct knowledge about who they are and the world and people they encounter each day.

In [our classroom], the facilitators view themselves as teacher-researchers who conduct and participate in research in our classroom on a daily basis. This year, we will be spending a great deal of time in the exploration of the various identities of the children in our community. These identities may include but are not limited to areas of child interest, language, gender, age, culture, ethnicity, family structure, and home, among potential others. This thread will weave into everything we do throughout the entire school year. Exploring identities is a powerful way to help children gain confidence in who they are and learn to appreciate who others are as they continue to become.

 

Thank you for your support in our roles as researchers – teachers and children alike!