Possible Schools: The Reggio Approach to Urban Education (Early Childhood Education Series (Teachers College Pr))

I have read a number of books about the Reggio approach to early childhood education, and I am finding that this one offers the most practical, honest, detailed information yet. (It would not necessarily be the book I recommend to read first, but given the astute summary of the author's actual time observing in the classrooms of Reggio Emilia, Italy, it would be right up there.) The author first went to Reggio in the 1980's, I believe, well before most educators were aware of the schools there, and back when visitors could actually see the classrooms in action. She is able to offer first hand anecdotes and have direct contact with many of the names I only read about in books. The main premise of the book is how this one school adapts practices of Reggio in an urban environment. It starts with a brief summary of the political and educational climate of Washington DC and the US at the time (late 80's, early 90'). As I said, there is a great summary of the schools in Reggio first. The book then goes on in subsequent chapters to describe their process of adopting and adapting the Reggio Emilia approach. My only critique is not of the book itself, but of the fact that as a teacher currently, most of us do not have the space or money do "makeover' a school's environment as thoroughly as this school did, nor do we have access to Amelia Gambetti as a live-in mentor for 9 months. HOWEVER, nowadays, there is much more access to information about Reggio Emilia and many other 'experts' to turn to. This is a great book about being at the forefront of a movement for better educational places for our youngest children.