our goal is to activate the child's own natural desire to learn
Providing childcare since 1983
Reggio Emilia, Italy
November 17-21st, 2025
"The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy based on the image of a child with strong potentialities for development and a subject with rights, who learns through the hundred languages of belonging to all human beings, and grows in relations with others." www.reggiochildren.it
Traveller:
Austin Goldie
Director/Owner
Narnia Learning Centre,
Lethbridge, Alberta, CAN
With over 14 years experience of teaching and leadership, I have spent the last decade in my current role as a pedagogist and director of a local, private childcare program. I am passionate about creating inspired learning environments where children take the lead on their own learning through play and project work. I believe in honouring children's voices as mighty citizens of the world. The team at Narnia values indoor and outdoor environments as the 3rd teacher, focusing on sustaining learning, risky play, intentionality, recording and observing play, and responsive practices- bringing joy into the everyday with children as the focal point.
Education:
I have received an Early Childhood Education Diploma (level 3) graduation of Lethbridge Polytechnic, I am also a key not speaker, guest host, and child advocate for (BLW) Baby Led Weaning, FLIGHT: Alberta's Curriculum Framework certified, certified (LTPL) Leading Through a Pedagogical Lens Series, Play and Exploration Series, Risky Play advocate, and certified in Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute of Technology, Toronto.
Back Story
Join me on my quest to enrich my own personal philosophy as I grow as an educator for children from across the globe.
Since first being introduced to the Reggio Emilia Approach in my second year of college, I have been deeply inspired by the teachings and philosophy of Loris Malguzzi, an Italian Educator and founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education. Malaguzzi believed children are strong, competent, and full of potential-a perspective that immediately resonated with me.
I was struck by the profound value placed on young children, and the recognition that they have so much to teach us. The many ways they express themselves are both captivating and endlessly intrigued, continually fuelling my passion for this philosophy over the past 15 years.
Whether it was falling in love with the natural beauty of the learning environments created for young children from all across the globe, or the strong sense of community that surrounds the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, something that continued to draw me in, I began asking myself important questions: How can I enrich the lives of the children I work alongside each day? How can I support their individual growth and devleopment through child-led play? How can I meaningfully document their rich and awe-inspiring perspectives on the world? These questions became the fuel that drives me- to grow, to reflect, and to continually elevate my work as a pedagogist.
When the Fall 2025 Reggio Emilia International Study Tour popped up, I knew it was time- to become deeply immersed in this approach I've loved and valued for so long. So, join me on my travels as I continue exploring the beauty and challenges of education through the lens of Reggio Emilia. Together, we can celebrate the wonder of childhood, the hundred languages of children, and the endless possibilities that unfold when we truly listen to children.
-Austin
Travel
Travel photos and blog coming soon...
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