We arrived at the Gan with our European friends from Bulgaria and Hungary for a day of learning. First, we met with the directors of our partner schools to discuss next steps and how to proceed on this journey we are all taking 
together. A short while later, the remaining educators arrived and participated in an introductory Reggio workshop followed by a materials workshop led by Michelle and Elaine. Meredith worked with Dalia to rearrange and enhance the classroom environments. The Romanian teachers arrived later in the day for an afternoon workshop. Before we 
began, we surprised them by showing them their classroom transformations. They were like kids in a candy shop…touching everything and smiling from ear to ear. They were so touched by the generosity of the SOS International program and by our hard work to make over their spaces. For our final workshop of the day, we focused the learning on bringing Jewish values and curriculum to a Reggio inspired early childhood classroom. We all shared how we celebrate the holidays and brainstormed together about ways to improve our programs. It’s always amazing to find that no matter where you are from or what language you speak, Judaism connects us all. We concluded the day with a festive Romanian dinner and said our goodbyes to the Bulgarian team leaving in the morning. Our learning will conclude tomorrow with challah making and a Shabbat celebration with the kids in the Gan.
