In 2003, I had the privilege of being invited to join a group of teachers and artists in Bari, Italy associated with Teatro di Bari’s long-running children’s festival Maggio all’Infanzia. When I attended, the festival took place in Gioia del Colle, a town just outside Bari. However, today, the first is staged in many locations to bring to children its dyanamic mix of beautiful visual and performing art works and edgy critical perspective on the education of children.
What I remember most about the educational forum run alongside the event was a question put by the festival directors to the attendees, all coming from many parts of Europe, Africa, North and South America, that provocatively asked, What do you think your are doing, standing in front of children? Whether teacher, artist, parent or any other person seeking to educate a young person, the question highlights the thoughtfulness needed to realise an educative experience.
