One of my favorite parts of the Reggio Emilia Approach is their dedication to the atelier. Today I want to feature some local atelier ideas in the hopes they may inspire you or spark an idea for you and your atelier!
“Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known.” —Loris Malaguzzi, The Hundred Languages of Children
What is an Atelier?
Before we begin exploring atelier ideas, we must first address what an atelier is. What is it's purpose? How does it foster children's learning experiences?
An atelier is essentially a space for children to express their selves artistically through multiple mediums, using the language of art.
The atelier houses multiple artistic tools and materials which children can use to create to their hearts' desire. Ultimately building critical connections in the brain through the various art processes and creative thinking experiences.
Ideally, an Atelierista, a teacher with an arts background, would be present in the atelier to help guide the children in this artistic journey.
Atelier Materials
Ateliers may contain any materials that the school or teachers feel are necessary, but some basic materials would include:
- paper (various kinds)
- scissors
- crayons and other coloring materials
- pencils
- sketch pads
- glue (liquid and sticks)
- loose parts (see the loose parts post)
- clay
- ribbon
- art books
- paint
- watercolors
- paint brushes
- clay tools
- forks (plastic or metal for creating paint texture or scoring clay)
- chalk
- easels
- wire
- beads
- (if you can think of any more materials, post them in the comments!)
Atelier Ideas
Now, the moment you've all been waiting for…ATELIER IDEAS!
A very active atelier at All Around Child, a Reggio-Inspired school in Overland Park, KS. So many material options!
Which atelier idea inspired you most?
Share your atelier ideas in the comments!
Right here is the perfect website for anybody who hopes to understand this topic.
You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you
(not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new
spin on a topic that has been written about for years.
Wonderful stuff, just great!
I didn’t know about this. Thank you so much. Really appreciate this.
You’re very welcome. I hope you gained inspiration.
Are you of any relation to Louise Caldwell?
Hi Deanna, I’m answering for Jenni! She said she is not but she sounds lovely!
This is just what I needed! I know I have a strong interest of presenting art already – however this encompasses my own ideas further. I am so eager to bring this concept to life at my preschool. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing and inspiring others.
Virginia – July 27, 2017
I am in the process of converting my classroom with Reggio Emilia ideas along with my creativity. The Atelier is a great place to start for the children to explore! Thank you for sharing those great ideas and rooms. It’s definately an INSPIRATION !
My area with the children is story telling. But, this has inspired me to actively include the arts in our story time. Especially using the outside for inspiration of stories and creating the story in art. Thank you
Love this!! Currently all my older toddlers have moved on.. Any ideas for young toddlers just barely 2?
Thank you
gigisnurturingplace@yahoo.com
Gina, keeping safety in mind, you can use many of the same things with young children. Make sure you use paint that is child friendly (for those who might put paintbrushes in their mouth), and make sure there are no small parts that kids would put in their mouths. Also, limit the choices of items so that it’s not overwhelming to the children (or YOU!) Sponges, bath puffs, larger paintbrushes are perfect for small hands with which to paint. At this stage, children love the feel of art materials. Put out clay for the children to explore, paper to tear, and paint to squish and paint with! Have fun and let us know how it goes!
Great ideas!
I am really keen to have one in my preschool. I have a deep interest in the arts, however I do not have an arts background. Will I be able to set up and run an Atelier in my school to support my teachers?
Thank you.
Very interested , congratulation. I’m Maria and I filling very stress I’m not bachelor or have background art experience only I research for 3 years Reggio Emilia aproach I’m a lead teacher I will be alterista I have the studio art empty ready for setup .. and I don’t know what can I do
Don’t forget the natural materials like sand ,sticks ,shells, leaves, dry flowers, cinnamon sticks, kitchen condiments, etc. encourage the children to connect with nature, they will be so happy to work and create with this amazing materials, that our mother nature provide us.
I totally agree with with you Carmen, so important to value the relationship with natural materials and if you are particularly interested in this then I recommend you visit the inspiring Canadian Artist and Nature Advocate Marghanita Hughes. Her posts and blogs are amazing https://www.marghanita.com/gallery When I was in Reggi Emilia they had a huge focus on exploring nature and you may also want to check out REAIE – Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange. Happy days from me to you.
A great post. I have visited Reggio Emilia in Italy and have been inspired by this pedagogical approach for many years. If your readers are interested in further exploring the Atelier, I highly recommend the following two books available on line through many book stores.
In the Spirit of the Studio: Learning from the Atelier of Reggio Emilia (Early Childhood Education Series) 2nd Edition
The Language of Art: Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Author Ann Pelo