Windsurfing!

Thank you to Jackie Butzen of Windward Sports for the sailing experience in Pilsen! Sailing in Pilsen? Yes, that is right, sailing in Pilsen. Jackie brought a training board that could be set up on a special rotating stand in Harrison Park near our Guadalupano Center. A school age classroom that had been making boats with paper got to see how a windsurfer is set-up and then experienced hoisting the sail and feeling the pull of the wind. Now the group wants to head to the beach to see the real deal, stay tuned...

Importance of Good Teachers

An important new study is out about the importance of quality teachers in pre-school and kindergarten.

Teaching quality is a key focus for us at Commons. For several years we have been raising the standards when hiring new teachers -- requiring more credentials (i.e. Type 04 certification). Also, we have encouraged existing teachers to return to school, connecting teachers with financial assistance to do so.

Of course, this all requires more resources, as teacher salaries must increase in order to retain teachers with more advanced credentials and skill. Over the past year, average teacher salary has increased at Chicago Commons by 14% as a result of requiring (and compensating) teachers with higher level credentials.

Unleashing creativity

A recent article in Newsweek decried the decline of creativity in America and discussed ideas of how to reverse course.

In general, early education and primary education in the United States has neglected to nurture creativity in children – this is way beyond a lack of art classes. True creativity is developed through experiential learning, a type of learning that not typically offered.

Chicago Commons and other early education pioneers in Chicago are working to reverse this trend by using the Reggio Emilia Approach to early learning. In the 1990s, Commons’ began working with the Reggio Emilia approach. The approach began in Italy in the 1950s in the town of Reggio Emilia while it was rebuilding after World War II. The approach is all about unleashing the natural creativity and knowledge possessed by children.

We are excited that this approach is growing right here in Chicago, there are several community organizations and schools now exploring this approach. And Chicago Commons is co-hosting a major public exhibit on the Reggio Approach in conjunction with Columbia College and City of Chicago. The exhibit runs through November 2010. More information on the exhibit can be found here and here.

Wonder of Learning!

In 1991 Newsweek listed the best schools in the world and among their selections were the pre-schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Over the past several years, a growing number of innovative pre-schools in the United States are adopting this inspiring approach to early education. However, the Reggio Emilia approach remains a “best kept secret” here in the U.S.

Even more of a secret is that Chicago is now one of the few American cities where the Reggio approach is being adapted in high poverty areas. During the 1990s, Chicago Commons, a neighborhood service organization, began using the approach in its pre-schools in high poverty neighborhoods. It was one of the earlier organizations in the United State to do so. Since then others in Chicago have done the same including Christopher House and several public schools.

This year, Chicago Commons, Columbia College and the City of Chicago are proud to co-host a special exhibit presented by the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) called The Wonder of Learning – The Hundred Languages of Children. The exhibit is a window onto the activities and creativity of children in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

It is a powerful approach to education, one that fosters research and innovation among teachers, administrators, parents and, most important, the children themselves. As we work to re-invent and improve educational systems in the U.S., we would be wise to look for innovative models like the Reggio approach.

The Wonder of Learning Exhibit runs from June 15^th through November 30^th at the Columbia College Congress Gallery, 33 East Congress. Hours of the exhibit:

Tues, Wed, Fri: 12 noon - 5:00 p.m.
Thurs: 12 noon - 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Major New Study Released

A new study is out about the positive long-term effects of high quality early childhood care.

Of course, we have long held this to be true.

Some critics of the study say it does not fully show whether there is an "independent" effect on children separate from the positive effects of their parents. But it is hard to compartmentalize life so neatly.

High quality early learning programs know that the true goal is to partner closely with parents... we help parents, parents help us. It is a mutual endeavor. I wish researchers luck in trying "isolate" the effects of early learning programs from that of parents.

This new study is rigorous and shows that early learning resources are a smart investment for both children and their parents.

Powerful Art #2

There is a new movie called Exit Through the Gift Shop that shows how art sometimes becomes just another commodity, its value based more on the fame of the artist that the work itself.

Well, here is a piece of street art of high value in its own right. Our students have struck again -- placing a positive message in the middle of neighborhood where such messages are scarce!

Happy Birthday

It's Chicago Commons birthday! Founded 116 years ago today, Chicago Commons was one of the original settlement houses serving primarily immigrants on the city’s northwest side.

Although things have changed and neighborhoods are unrecognizable, our approach is the same.

We listen to resident concerns and challenges and connect people to education, information and resources that will enrich their lives. We strengthen our communities by building trusting relationships with our neighbors and other organizations in the area.