Atelier
The atelier is an everyday space where children deepen their hypotheses through art and its infinite possibilities. It is a true creative laboratory aimed at awakening the curiosity and interest of those who inhabit it.
The concept of "Atelier" is a fundamental component of the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. An Atelier is a workshop or space dedicated to artistic and creative exploration, where children have access to a variety of materials and tools to express their ideas and feelings through different languages and media.
Main Characteristics of the Atelier
1. Creative and Multifunctional Space: The Atelier is designed to be an inspiring environment that stimulates creativity and experimentation. It is equipped with a wide range of materials such as paints, clay, fabrics, recyclables, and other elements that children can use for their artistic projects.
2. Atelierista: The Atelierista is a specialized arts educator who guides and supports children in their creative processes. This professional works closely with classroom teachers to integrate the arts into all areas of the curriculum.
3. Exploration and Expression: The Atelier encourages free exploration and personal expression. Children are encouraged to experiment, investigate, and develop their own ideas, using the "100 languages" (various forms of expression) such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
4. Documentation and Reflection: Documentation is an essential component of the Atelier. The children's processes and products are recorded through photos, videos, and writings. This documentation allows for reflection on learning and sharing it with the educational community and families.
Benefits of the Atelier
Integral Development:
Children develop cognitive, motor, emotional, and social skills through artistic activities.
Critical and Creative Thinking:
It fosters critical and creative thinking as children are challenged to solve problems and express their ideas in innovative ways.
Collaboration and Communication:
It promotes collaboration and communication as children work together on projects, sharing ideas and learning from each other.
Implementation of the Atelier
In practice, the Atelier can vary in size and resources, but it always maintains the goal of being a space where children can freely explore and develop their creativity. In many cases, the Atelier is physically located within the school, but its influence extends to all areas of learning, integrating the arts into the daily curriculum.
For more information about the concept of the Atelier in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, you can consult sources like Reggio Children and Scholastic.
