“(Ateliers)….are beauty that produces knowledge” – Reggio Children
An atelier is defined as: a studio, especially used by an artist or designer. In a Reggio inspired environment, these are spaces that suggest questions, inherently produce knowledge, and grow creativity.
The studio space is a sacred area in our toddler classroom.
As educators and facilitators of learning, we find ourselves asking:
How can autonomy in the atelier support the flow of organic creativity?
The atelier space in our classroom is set up in a way that supports children’s autonomy and creative expression. When children have inspiration to create, experiment, or make their mark, they have the freedom to walk over and gather the materials they’d like to use.
Teachers only put out safe materials that require minimal supervision or intervention, not only to reduce power struggles, but also to make room for the wave of self expression to freely flow. Our roles as facilitators are highlighted in the atelier; we are witnesses to something profound, a burgeoning drive to reveal oneself to the world.
“Marks!”
-Hadley, 17 months
“Tap, tap, tap”
– Clara, 20 months
“Rouge!”
– Yves, 24 months
