The art studio is our area that provides the children a space and the opportunity to explore many different types of materials such as:

• Paint
• Clay
• Wire
• Collage materials
• Pastels
• Charcoal

The idea of having an art studio is taken from the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. It is believed that because children do not yet possess a written language, they represent their world, their thoughts and their ideas through the use of materials. Projects in this area can either be teacher directed but open-ended or child-directed. Many art activities may be based on current projects happening in the classroom.

Children come to the art studio in small groups where they are exposed to a variety of mediums and techniques, enabling self-expression. Children build confidence by turning their ideas into tangible creations, both on their own and with peers. Once the children understand a material, they begin to think about how the material can be used symbolically in order to represent an idea. In this way, materials become languages or vehicles through which children can communicate their ideas. Each art activity has ‘layers of possibility’ which accommodates different types of learners, abilities, interests, and levels of play.