Atelier

In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the Atelier is a dedicated space where children explore, experiment, and express their ideas through various artistic media. More than just an art studio, the Atelier is a hub of creativity and inquiry, filled with diverse materials—paints, clay, fabrics, natural elements, and recycled objects—that invite children to engage in open-ended exploration. Guided by the Artillerista, a specialized educator trained in the arts), children use the Atelier to bring their thoughts and emotions to life. This space encourages collaboration, storytelling, and problem-solving, reinforcing the belief that children communicate in a hundred languages—through drawing, sculpting, movement, and more. (Zhitnaya et al., 2019) Bringing the Atelier into Your Classroom The Atelier is an essential element of the Reggio Emilia Approach, fostering creativity, exploration, and expression. You can integrate an Atelier-inspired space into your classroom, no matter the setting, by following these practical ideas:

1. Create a Dedicated Atelier Space

Designate a specific area in your classroom as the Atelier—a creative space where children can explore and express their ideas. It doesn’t need to be large; even a small corner can serve as an inspiring environment. Fill it with diverse, open-ended materials such as:

• Natural elements (leaves, stones, wood pieces)
• Recycled materials (fabric scraps, cardboard, bottle caps)
• Traditional art supplies (paint, clay, pastels, charcoal)
• Light and shadow materials (translucent paper, overhead projectors)

2. Encourage Expression Beyond Art The Atelier isn’t just for making art—it’s a space for children to visualize and communicate their thoughts. Encourage them to use materials to:

• Explain their findings in a project
• Reflect on their learning from the day
• Express emotions, ideas, and questions creatively

For example, if students are exploring plant life, they might use clay to model root structures, watercolors to illustrate growth stages, or collage materials to create a representation of a forest ecosystem. 3. Use the Atelier for Documentation and Assessment Children’s work in the Atelier can serve as a visual record of their learning journey. These creations can be:

• Displayed to highlight children’s thinking and progress
• Used for assessment, providing insight into their understanding
• Integrated into portfolios as a form of reflective learning

4. Adapt the Atelier to Any Classroom Even in classrooms with limited space or resources, you can integrate Atelier principles:

• Mobile Atelier: Use rolling carts with art and natural materials that can move around the room.
• Digital Atelier: Allow children to document and create using tablets, photography, or digital drawing apps.
• Outdoor Atelier: Bring materials outside and encourage exploration in nature.

By incorporating an Atelier-inspired space, you provide children with a powerful way to express their ideas, make connections, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning.