The quote in the signature line at the bottom of Laurie Kocher's emails is a brief but poignant insight into the passion this Douglas College instructor has for early childhood education.
"Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer 'Tomorrow.' His name is 'Today.'"
The sentiment, from Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, touches on the very themes that are part of an exhibit currently underway in New Westminster, which Kocher helped bring to fruition.
I had the good fortune to meet Kocher last year, while covering an educational project taking place in Burnaby. She was already putting together the groundwork for this exhibit and her enthusiasm was evident in her eyes - they positively sparkled when she talked about this event.
The Wonder of Learning exhibit kicked off in July and runs until early December and, so far, the response has been "overwhelming" she says - but in a good way.
"We average 50 to 150 visitors per day, with folks coming from across the country and the U.S.," she told me.
Responses to the exhibit have ranged from "Every child should have such wondrous experiences" to "I want to be a teacher like this."
The exhibit comes from the town of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy - the birthplace of the increasingly well known teaching approach that goes by the same name.
Featuring dozens of panels showing photographs of children at work, narrative descriptions by teachers and conversations with the children, along with children's projects and video segments, the exhibit is an open door into the Reggio Emilia approach.
"One of the most significant things apparent in the exhibit is the 'image of the child' - children are portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, poetic.
The results in this exhibit show what is possible in a society that truly values and invests in its youngest citizens."
Coincidentally, I'm currently reading a parenting book which opens with a brief look at the history of childhood - the way in which adults viewed children, particularly prior to the Enlightenment - and the lack of thought or consideration that has been given for much of history into the unique needs and development of the young.
We've certainly come a long way since then, but there are no doubt strides yet to be made - and the Wonder of Learning exhibit may be a good opportunity to further expand our concepts of what it means to encourage, support and educate young children.
Indeed, Kocher says the show holds something for anyone who is interested in early childhood.
"Parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, administrators and policy makers will all find value in the exhibit," she said. "Children, especially those under eight or so, will also find something for themselves, particularly in the light and natural materials studios."
Kocher, who is the project director for the exhibit and editor for Canadian Children, says the exhibit is a dream come true.
"This has been a labour of love on the part of a community of committed educators and friends. The project to bring the exhibit and the related professional development workshops and conferences, has been underway for nearly three years."
She notes that they faced challenges, including limited financial support, but the value of having the show here allowed them to press on to see it come to fruition.
Before arriving at River Market in New Westminster, the exhibit had spent several months in Portland, Oregon; after wrapping up here in December, it will go on to Kentucky, before it heads off for more international destinations.
There's a few months left to check it out while it's right here in the Royal City - a rare opportunity to check out a unique exhibit. To find out more about the Wonder of Learning, see www.won deroflearningvancouver. com.
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In the coming week, I'll be compiling some of the fun Halloween-themed activities happening around the Royal City, in particular those happening on Oct. 31, and the weekend immediately prior. If you know of unique local events, send the details to me at cmyers@royalcity record.com.
Keep an eye on upcoming editions to check out our listing of family-friendly events happening in New West to celebrate the spookiest day of the year.
Christina Myers is a reporter with the Royal City Record and its sister paper, the Burnaby NOW. Contact her at [email protected].
