What is in a Name? Everything

So, where did the name for our early learning program: Fiolina originate from? The name of our early learning program has roots back to my grandmother: Fiolina who showed love and care through her actions each and everyday with all of us. She loved us unconditionally and was a guide for us.

Ironically Fiolina means someone who is a thinker, both creatively and philosophically. One who appreciates nature, dramatic play, the arts and music. One who thrives and is the most joyful when expressing and exploring oneself through nature.

That was my grandma. How our grandma supported, guided and loved us is scientifically proven and immensely backed by research and books such as Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Loris Malaguzzi’s Reggio Emilia and Jean Piaget’s Learning Theories. She innately knew within and was in tune with our rhythms and how children learn. She put into practice through her actions what is written in books and theories read all around the world.

I don’t know if my grandma Fiolina ever read any of the research, theories or books about early childhood development. Maybe she didn’t have to because she put the foundation of early childhood learning into action each and everyday with all of us. Some are born with innate gifts to care for and about others and that was my grandma’s gift. She cared about us. She played with us. She let us get dirty and messy all in the name of play and active life-long learning. She left an imprint, a profound and reverberating mark on me to serve and care about others in early childhood education.

When it came to naming our space for childhood, I felt that no other name could do it justice. Fiolina came as an echo and reminder of all the unforgettable childhood memories I have because of my grandma. Because of her, I have a passion and a purpose to co-create unforgettable childhood experiences with and for children and families.

Fiolina is a place for children and families just as our grandma: Fiolina had been for all of us.

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