Lilian Katz and I recently accompanied a group of early childhood educators on a two week tour in India. This very interesting cultural experience was organized by Vashima Goyal, the founder of EduRetreat. We visited urban and rural schools and ashrams, talked with educators, philosophers and artists, and participated in two conferences.
We were a group of American, Argentinian, British, and Canadian scholars and teachers interested in leearning about the education ofy oung children in India. We were graciously received, enjoying fantastic hospitality wherever we went. With our various hosts we discussed our mutual interests in education and reflected on similarities and differences in our priorities for young children.
Among the major similarities were a concern for each individual child and the provision of an educational context which honoured all aspects of children's development. The most marked difference for me was Indian concern with the spiritual development of children. In some cases this was aligned with physical development and the opportunity for children to engage in yoga and meditation.
If you would be interested in such an opportunity to visit India please visit the EduRetreat web site.