In-SITE-ful Journeys

Introduction

Hear the story of innovation in early childhood and family engagement from someone who’s doing it. Our In-SITE-ful Journeys engage and connect colleagues in ongoing learning through “site visits” to area schools, virtual learning opportunities, and community field trips. 

Visits to schools invite educators to observe teachers and students and see adaptations of change in early childhood practice first hand. Participants interact with directors and teacher-leaders to learn how each made their vision a reality.  

Our webinars showcase new and exciting educational practices and are led by experts in their field, or are offered as interactive conversations. See below for available recordings of these webinars and any associated resources. 

Our field trips take place at area museums and other creative venues so participants can experience how these unique environments engage their participants.

Through learning new ideas and connecting people to each other across communities, attendees are supported towards taking the next steps in their own innovation journey. Site visits, conversations, and webinars continue each year and will be linked under "Events" in the main menu.

“In-SITE-ful Journeys” launched in 2012 to spread successful innovative practices between educational professionals and schools across the NY Metro area. Journaling and documenting these visits allow us to share particular insights and resources with educators everywhere. Below you will find selected Journal entries from a number of these visits which include photo albums, video clips, leader bios, reflections, and additional resources.

Best 3 hours I've spent away from my school in a long time! I learned more about what it means to be Reggio Inspired during my time at Beth El than I've learned in the past 5 years! - Participant from a recent In-SITE-ful Journey school visit. 

Site Visit Journals

• A Reggio Inspired Journey Inside and Outside at Beth El Nursery School
• Using Art and Artifacts as Provocations in the Classroom at the Jewish Museum

• Seeing the Details in a Child-Centered Approach at the Educational Alliance
  Site Visit Journal  |  News Post and Reflection  |  Adding the Teacher's Voice

• Nature Based Learning at Congregation Kol Ami

• Dual Language Hebrew Early Childhood Classroom at Congregation Beth Elohim

• Making Children’s Work Visible at The Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School at The JCC Manhattan

• Transforming a School Environment Indoors and Out at Chai Center Preschool

• Supporting Teachers as Leaders through Peer to Peer Mentorship at the 14th Street Y

• A Child-Centered Approach Rooted in Jewish Values at Brotherhood Synagogue

• A Small Courtyard Inspires Big Engagement for Children at North Shore Synagogue

• A Nature Explorium Fosters Outdoor Learning at the Mid Island Y JCC

• Reggio Emilia Wonder of Learning Exhibit in Brooklyn Through a Jewish Lens

WEBINAR RESOURCES

• Chanukah & Light: Nature Play As The Days Grow Shorter | Johanna Perlin and Kat Horion