Making Learning Visible

Within the world of Reggio we are constantly reminded that learning should be visible.  We want to see the product and the process!  So we as teachers are constantly asking ourselves how can we make learning visible in our classrooms?  But I believe that the real question we should be asking ourselves is who do we want to make it visible to?  Guests coming to visit the center?  The director, as evidence of our effective lessons?  Potential parents looking to enroll?  The parents of our current students? 

All of these are very important and it is wonderful to be able to show off the incredible things we are doing to adults, but what about the children?  Making learning visible to the children is equally important, if not more so, than making it visible to adults.  In our classrooms we do display the beautiful products created by our students, but they are displayed for the students.  When you walk into my classroom you will immediately notice that the majority of posted artwork is at the eye level of a 4 year old.  Not only artwork, but photographs of the students in action!

Looking at photographs of themselves conducting an experiment or exploring new things triggers that moment in the child's memory when the actual learning took place.  I can't even count how any times a student has pointed out pictures in the classroom and said "Mrs. Cruz, do you remember when we did this?"  And then they proceed to tell me how the experiment ended or what made it so fun and exciting.  When this occurs it is a wonderful way for the student to reflect on the lesson that took place and decide if they are satisfied with the outcome or if they have more questions left unanswered that we as a class can delve into.  Reflecting on a single picture can spark discussion that could fill an entire week with new discoveries and ideas!  

This is a wonderful idea to try out at home as well!  When doing activities with your child, try to take a picture or two of the process and pin it up with the actual product.  It is so amazing to watch your child re-live and reflect on those exciting learning experiences!