I had the absolute pleasure this week of visiting one of my local Reggio inspired nursery settings and having a tour of the outdoor art studio.
A Reggio Art Studio
Jun 27, 2019
The outdoor studio is set up in a wooden cabin on the beautiful forest school grounds of the nursery. I was greeted by their artist in residence which is known as a atelierista. An Atelierista is a teacher that traces a child’s discoveries through artwork, and working together they document and reflect on what is learnt. The cabin has a lovely light and airy feel to it with doors leading out into a decked area.
Twice a week the children in preschool (3-4 year olds) will have the opportunity (If they choose) to come and work in the studio.
There is space in the centre of room for collaboration and large scale projects. While around the room the different stations allow for creative freedom. With a station dedicated to still life drawings and painting (with many natural stimuli from outside), a tinkering space, an area to explore light and shadows using light boxes and an overhead projector and an area for sculpting and working with clay.
Although this particular art studio has only been in place for a couple of months it already creates a sense of belonging by sharing the children's voice, thought process and learning around their emerging interests.
A sense of calm was also created in the space by projecting an underwater scene onto the walls and playing relaxing instrumental music. There is also an electric stove in the corner with a sheepskin rug next to it. Giving off all the cosy feels. When working in the cabin children are asked to leave their shoes in the entrance and they learn that they need to respect the space and take ownership of it.
There is access to many books to support interests and fascinations, an electronic microscope to look at finds in more detail and a range of LED display cases. The educators have also created a reading nook within the studio to support enquiry skills.
Children's 3D art work is displayed on open shelving at child height. Single shelving attached to the walls displays books that have been used as a starting point for a project. Throughout the cabin resources and materials are displayed in creative ways on apple crates and shelving to encourage children to see and self select the materials they require. This includes coloured pencils organised in clear jars by colour to support children in their colour and shade selection.
"A Reggio pre-school is a special kind of place, one in which young human beings are invited to grow in mind, in sensibility and in belonging to a broader community." Jerome S Bruner
To see a video tour of this art studio and find out more about Reggio inspired learning join the Hygge in Early Years Accreditation here https://www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk/store
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