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About Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota
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Vision MissionThe Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota is a dynamic forum for collaborative inquiry, exchange and advocacy focusing on the experience of childhood and the process of learning. As a community of educators, parents and citizens who share an interest in the philosophy of the municipal preschools and infant-toddler centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy, we affect the lives of children and their families by:
Goals
Our Logo: Vang's Story
A study of Monarch caterpillars captured Vang’s attention and imagination. Vang spent extended periods of time examining the creatures, paying attention to the minute changes in their appearance. While he was not able to describe what he noticed with language, he began to use a variety of materials: paper, paint, pen and construction materials to form likenesses of the caterpillars in their changing phases. His teachers could see what he noticed and understood through his work. As Vang studied the Monarchs, his teachers saw changes in his behavior. He slowed down. He began to look at the adults in his world more carefully. He also began to observe the social behavior and communication going on in the classroom. While the classroom study of the butterflies ended after their release, 6 weeks later, Vang’s study continued far longer. He drew butterflies for months, as though seeking to perfect this topic, which revealed him as a competent member of the classroom. In December, the teacher organized a family “Monarch Celebration.” Families came and viewed a slide show describing the work of the children and their relationships with the Monarchs. Vang’s mother, who is also deaf, attended. When she saw the images and work of her son on the screen, she cried. Later, she explained through sign language that she worried that because Vang is deaf, that he might never be able to learn. Now she knows differently. She could see how much he was learning because of his paintings, drawings and constructions. She assured the teacher she was weeping with joy. That spring, Vang received his first hearing aides. His face lit up as he listened to every voice and sound in the classroom. He began learning Hmong and English simultaneously. Soon he attempted to communicate verbally with his teachers. As might be expected, his first spoken words related to his great passion, the butterflies, even though they had not been present in the classroom for the last three months. Then again, through Vang’s continued drawings, they had been part of the classroom all along. |
Updated October, 2025Network HistoryThe Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota has a rich history. In February 1998, educators from around the state first met at the invitation of Barb Murphy at the University of Minnesota Lab School to share their interest in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the inspiration it generated in their practice. Seventy-five people attended that meeting. Participants continued to meet regularly, for many years hosted by Beth MacDonald and the staff at MacDonald Montessori School, who graciously opened their program and professional development experiences, sharing their journey with the larger community. Participation grew and, what became known as the “Minnesota Reggio Network” expanded as gatherings branched out to include a wider array of participants, educational programs and community organizations. During 2004, The Minnesota Reggio Network (which at this point had been incorporated,) in collaboration with the Minnesota Children’s Museum, and supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, hosted “The Hundred Languages of Children” exhibit from Reggio Emilia, Italy at St. Paul City Hall. During the eight-month run of the Exhibit, Network participants collaborated to create “Seeing Children,” a collection of projects from about 25 Minnesota schools. It became a companion exhibit at the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) Summer Conference, held it St. Paul. In 2008/2009 the Network underwent a transformation and expansion and is now known as the “Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota” (a 501c3 organization.) With a renewed vision, mission and goals, the Network continues to identify and connect with all of those who are interested in Reggio-inspired work. |
The logo for the Reggio-Inspired
Network of Minnesota is the work of a young child ”Vang”. Vang came to a
classroom in a metropolitan district a