Sharing lessons learned from

a faith-based, Reggio inspired

early childhood program.

Our Door is Open For You!




Events in Your Day at Open Door
To see photos of Open Door click here.


The morning includes presentations, observations in classrooms, and the viewing of documentation. Two presentations with Judy Harris Helm: "Finding Our Way: The Schools of Reggio Emilia, Our Core Values, and Our Community of Practice" and "Documentation". If you are new to project work you will also attend "Project Work at Northminster Learning Center" with Pam Scranton, Curriculum and Training Coordinator OR if you have facilitated three or more projects you will attend "Deepening Project Work" with Judy Harris Helm. You will have one hour of observation in our classrooms (both Toddler Curiosity Corner and Discovery Preschool classrooms will be open for you to observe children in action). Attendance is limited so observations are a good experience for children and adults.

In the afternoon, school will not be in session so you can freely explore the environment including classrooms, Discovery Plaza, and the atelier (studio).

Participants select two seminar topics for the afternoon. Optional activities also include visiting the resources room, viewing videos on projects and the schools of Reggio Emilia, and studying documentation.

What past participants said about Open Door. "I really liked the opportunity to observe the classrooms both in/out of session. Theory into practice ?" "I liked observing in the classrooms.Talking with peers. Hearing parents point of view." "I loved everything!! It was well done. A lot of information covered but not in a hurried rigid pace. I appreciate the time to observe and being able to take photos of materials."

Registration includes the Open Door Journal, a complete description of the program including forms for lesson planning, photographs, diagrams for making equipment, handouts for all presentations, and journal pages.
Comments from past participants about the journal
"The book is excellent ? best I?ve ever gotten anywhere at any training ever; Loved the drawings by Joe!" "Awesome" "Almost too pretty to write in but I did anyway!" "Excellent. Has lots of information for me to share with my co-workers.""The comprehensive notebook ? you really thought of all the information teachers would want to know. Thanks!"


Afternoon Seminars are presented in two Sessions. Participants choose one seminar from each session. Choices are made during registration. Early registrants are more likely to get first choice.


Session One (Choose One)

What we have learned from the schools of Reggio Emilia that can be used in any environment. Pam Scranton

Can religious instruction be consistent with the image of the child as strong, rich, and capable? Lora Taylor

Did you know that you are already meeting standards? Stacy Berg

Can kindergarten children learn in a hands-on environment with out dittos and workbooks?Alisha Kapparos

What is the effect of light, color, natural elements, and culture on learning and the brain? (This is a double session seminar) Judy Harris Helm


Session Two (Choose One)

How do reading, writing, and speaking skills emerge and flourish in project work? Lora Taylor & Michelle Herington

Anticipatory Planning for Integration of Goals, Standards and Assessment into Project Work: What role do these play in child-initiated projects? Pam Scranton

Expanding A Toddler?s World: How can you engage two year olds in project work, language experiences, and creative environments? Mary Ann Gottlieb

Embedding Standards Throughout Your Day: How are standards met in the early childhood classroom each day? Stacy Berg

Integrating Kindergarten Standards: How can standards be integrated into everyday practices? Alisha KapparosI

Implications for Early Childhood Environments from Research on the Brain & Culture (Session Continued) Judy Harris Helm

Videos featured in the Resource Room for Optional Viewing include

Rearview Mirror: Reflections on a Preschool Car Project

Not Just Any Place the history and philosophy of the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and the Preschools of Reggio Emilia.





Date: Friday, March 30, 2007

Time: Check in begins at 8:00

Program Day 8:30- 4:15

To request a brochure
for Open Door 2006 click here. www.bestpracticesinc.net/OpenDoorBrochure.html