The educational approach of Italys Reggio Emilia preschools will be the topic of a workshop presented at West Virginia University Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Joy Faini Saab, associate professor in the College of Human Resources and Education, will present the workshop from 4-6:30 p.m. in Allen Hall. Refreshments, registration and an introductory video will be held in Room 601 from 4-5 p.m., followed by Dr. Faini Saabs presentation and concluding discussion in Room 808 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Those who wish to participate are asked to RSVP by Nov. 7 to 293-3441 ext. 1315 or sbecker@mix.wvu.edu .

Faini Saab traveled to Italy during the spring semester as part of an international study group. While in Italy, she visited Reggio Emilia preschools in Italy and was impressed by the connection between the child and the approach to learning.

According to Faini Saab, the groundwork for what is now regarded asthe Reggio Emilia approachwas established shortly after World War II when working parents, in collaboration with Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia model, built new schools for their young children.

Parents wanted schools where the potentials and rights of children were supported to develop skills of critical thinking and collaboration essential to rebuilding and ensuring a democratic society,she said.

The municipal preschools and infant-toddler centers will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2004. International attention increased for the Reggio Emilia schools when they were designated as the number one preschools in the world by Newsweek magazine in 1999.

During the workshop, Faini Saab will share her observations, photos, and experience and expertise in the field to discuss the following main ideas with participants: image of the child, the role of the environment-as-teacher, childrens multiple symbolic languages, documentation as assessment and advocacy, long-term projects or progettazione, the roles of teacher and researcher and home-school relationships.