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Advice to others.
Layla’s cautionary message for others is to “take it slow.” Based on her
experience, she urges others to try the approach and is a willing mentor to novice
teachers. She can’t imagine ever again using the theme approach again and feels that the
inspiring emergent curriculum from Reggio has been instrumental in keeping her in the
classroom. “I don’t know what I would be doing, if it wasn’t for emergent curriculum.”
Layla “still in the trenches,” has been working directly with children for twenty
years. For Layla this approach is responsible for increased feelings of worth. “I would
absolutely, unequivocally recommend Reggio Emilia and emergent curriculum for all
early childhood educators.” For Layla it has produced a high level of job satisfaction and
she sees herself happily continuing for the next five years within the same centre working
with the same philosophical orientation.
Conclusion
Many months after the time of our first meeting, I had the opportunity to see and
speak to Layla again. She continued to implement a Reggio inspired curriculum with her
partner, Erica. After originally resisting the road before her, Layla now embraces the
change and considers herself a trailblazer.
Now that I have personally seen the schools of Reggio Emilia, Layla represents a
true embodiment of the philosophy and a testimony to the positive impact of the approach
on practice. As Layla continues forging ahead on the professional road, the vehicle that
propels this confident and experienced educator is emergent curriculum. It has come to be
the defining aspect of her practice.