Recently, preschoolers in Juniper began their day in the Art Atelier, gathering on the rug for a springtime story read by Dr. Mindy, which sparked inspiration and set the tone for the morning.
In a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool, the Atelier is a dedicated studio space that encourages creativity, exploration, and self-expression. It is thoughtfully designed with a variety of open-ended materials that invite children to experiment, problem-solve, and communicate their ideas through art. The Atelier reflects the belief that children have “a hundred languages,” offering many different ways to think, create, and express themselves beyond words.
It’s no wonder this is such a beloved space on campus!
On this day, one of the teachers brought in flowers to inspire and guide the children’s Atelier explorations. They were invited to engage with four different experiences: flower stamping and painting; collage-making with petals, leaves, glue, and oil pastels; creating floral arrangements outdoors; and using flowers dipped in watercolor as paintbrushes.
Many children chose to explore multiple stations, moving freely between activities. They were deeply focused and engaged, showing creativity and intention in the way they used each material. It was wonderful to observe the unique ways each child approached their work and expressed their ideas.
Experiences like this reflect the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are seen as capable, curious learners and creativity is a powerful language for thinking and expression. In the Atelier, each child’s ideas are valued, explored, and made visible—reminding us of the many ways children make meaning of the world around them.