Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:37:21 GMT

I have taught for many years in a Reggio Emilia environment. Most of the articles I've read, including the NY Times article, with regards to Google's troubles portray Reggio as an elitist form of education in which children do nothing but "play" with exorbitantly expensive toys. Nothing is further from the truth. First, play is how children learn. If any of those writing these articles ever viewed the Reggio Emilia ideology in action, they would swiftly realize that they know not of what they speak. From a teacher and student perspective, it is an extraordinarily in depth, comprehensive learning adventure. A brief explanation could never do this teaching philosophy justice. One will simply have to do a little homework online to comprehend it better. With regards to elitism, we applied Reggio to all children, not simply to those of wealthy parents. Regarding the "expensive toys", I smile when I repeatedly hear this mentioned. While I always received the basics as part of my budget (paint, paper, clay, pencils) the majority of our materials were large storage boxes or plastic garbage cans containing "found objects" that we utilized in our everyday activities (i.e. shipping styrofoam, twigs, leaves, rocks, etc.). Our premise is that art is a child's first language. All activities are documented with, in our situation, bare bones minimum digital cameras and a few grossly outdated, basic computers. To insinuate that high end digital equipment is a part of the program is simply a fabrication. I challenge anyone to observe a Reggio Emilia environment and to not walk away with new insight and awe for this extraordinary academic approach.

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

Tony — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:55:22 GMT

Did someone say that?

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

Cassie — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:50:01 GMT

Oh so once again it is assumed the poor kids are the non-white ones.

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

Dad — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:39:55 GMT

Yeah, around here, most of the more expensive daycares provide tuition assistance, so you do get some mix of "rich kids" and "poor kids".

Of course, all companies these days seem to be cutting back on benefits...

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

BettyWu — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:27:43 GMT

Madeline, walk on over to LBCC (Pacific Coast Campus, anyway. I can't speak for the other) and you will see a Reggio inspired center serving a very economically and racially diverse community. For older kids, try New City.

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

Madeline Holler — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:05:29 GMT

CAMamma, thanks for the umbrage.

You're right! And I certainly had in mind the diversity of the workplace (race/cultures-wise) at Google. What I actually should have referenced were clothes, Crocs, backpacks, accompanying toys, etc.

Madeline

re: Google -- Just Another Crappy Company for Workers With Kids

CAMamma — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:45:11 GMT

I take slight umbrage at your statement, "But the kids of those families LOOK and live just like the other kids at that school."

Live most likely; however, dear friends have their daughter in one of the centers, and the kids in her class are of all different races, literally.