In 1991, The Hundred Languages of Children exhibit was brought to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1992, plans were made to begin a project to provide a system of professional development for local teachers who wished to continue their study and implementation of the principles and practices of Reggio Emilia. This paper describes some of the experiences and insights of teachers who participated in the project and highlights a few pieces of advice to teachers who are just beginning a similar study. Approach old activities in new ways. One of the reactions to the disequilibrium experienced when old ideas and practices are challenged and new ones are being studied is a feeling of loss and helplessness.
Some teachers describe feeling shaken, anxious, and incompetent.
At these times, they need to be reminded that they are not alone. The research on educational innovation and reform tells us that change can be a journey into incompetence and that those who have succeeded in adapting innovations have generally started small, going at the individual's speed and moving at a pace that is comfortable. Change requires time and must be documented to assess effectiveness. The advice from our teachers is to remember that change must happen gradually and be connected to prior learning. You need to exchange or adapt former methods of teaching.