Art and Creativity in Reggio Emilia: Exploring the Role and Potential of Ateliers in Early Childhood Education

ISBN-13: 9780415468770 / Angielski / Twarda / 2010 / 200 str.

Vea Vecchi

Opis

This book explores the contribution of and art and creativity to early education, and examines the role of the atelier (an arts workshop in a school) and atelierista (an educator with an arts background) in the pioneering pre-schools of Reggio Emilia. It does so through the unique experience of Vea Vecchi, one of the first atelieristas to be appointed in Reggio Emilia in 1970. Part memoir, part conversation and part reflection, the book provides a unique insider perspective on the pedagogical work of this extraordinary local project, which continues to be a source of inspiration to early childhood practitioners and policy makers worldwide. Vea's writing, full of beautiful examples, draws the reader in as she explains the history of the atelier and the evolving role of the atelierista. Key themes of the book include: - processes of learning and knowledge construction - the theory of the hundred languages of childhood and the role of poetic languages - the importance of organisation, ways of working and tools, in particular pedagogical documentation - the vital contribution of the physical environment - the relationship between the atelier, the atelierista, the school and its teachers This enlightening book is essential reading for students, practitioners, policy makers and researchers in early childhood education, and also for all those in other fields of education interested in the relationship between the arts and learning.

''As the inhabitant of an atelier in a preschool in Reggio Emilia for thirty years, I would therefore like to give an account of the atelier. My aim is not to write strictly autobiographically or to provide a rigorous historical account, but to make use of my experience to provide some reflections on what the presence of the atelier and of the atelierista can construct in a school and in education in general' Vea Vechi in her introduction to this book.

This book explores the contribution made by art and creativity to early education and learning, by reflecting upon and understanding more about the role of the 'atelier' in the pioneering pre-schools of Reggio Emilia. It is written by one of the most experienced atelieristas from this region who has many decades' experience to share.

Whilst first looking at the history of the atelier and the development of some key themes about the relationship of the atelier and atelierista to early childhood education, this text is interspersed by two dialogues: the first between Vea and a group of teachers and pedagogistas, the second between Vea and a group of designers. These dialogues will, in both cases, help explore the relationship between the atelierista and others actively engaged in work with young children.

This book will be of great value to student teachers and undergraduate and postgraduate students of early childhood education.

Spis treści

Series Editors' Introduction: Invitation to the Dance  1. Introduction  2. Aesthetics/Poetics  3. A General Overview  4. The Bicycle Metaphor  5. The Long View of Organisation  6. An Ethic Community  7. Environments   8. Professional Marvellers  9. Visible Learning  10. We Take Up the Walk Again  11. The Loris Malaguzzi International Centre  12. Blue Flowers, Bitter Leaves

O autorze

Vea Vecchi worked as an atelierista at the Diana municipal preschool in Reggio Emilia for over thirty years, doing pedagogical research and documentation in the area of children’s many languages. She now acts as a consultant to 'Reggio Children'.