Painting in Umbria, Italy

One of the stunning philosophies of the Reggio Emilia Approach is the environment as the third teacher. Reggio Emilia Approach in early childhood is often misled as an art education. In fact, art is used as a tool for learning. The culture of the Italians is the underlying influence in the formation of this approach.

Taking a look at the history of Italian art, the timeless architectures, the awesome artworks and the mesmerizing landscapes bring greater understanding and explanation to why the Reggio Emilia approach embraces creativity, exploration and symbolic representation. Observing textures, colors and shapes of the surrounding landscapes and buildings during my time in Italy brought me endless wonders and awe. The great Italian painters like Raphael, Perugino and Michaelangelo reflected their ancient land with detailed observation of colours and forms. It was inspiring to see how your connection with the environment as your teacher brings about ideas and discoveries to a large extend.

Pop artist Andy Warhol once quoted, "everything is beautiful". If we could all believe and embrace the view on the intensity of having the environment as our teacher, for what we know, learning will be a life long affair. Let's pass this on to our children, from generation to generation...

Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflower

Children mostly remembered this post impressionist painter as sad, emotional and sometimes weird. It was impressive to know that despite being at a tender age of 5 to 6 years old, these little ones were able to respond positively to the background of this painter. Some were able to reflect the story with positive note like, "If Van Gogh was my friend, I will tell him that he is a great artist so he wouldn't be sad. Or ask to give his lover a nice little painting instead of cutting his ear." Children were able to discuss the moral actions and emotions here. It was a great experience to embark on their first textured painting of sunflowers on canvas of course!

The Value Of Collaboration

The value of collaboration is more than just a big project done by a group of children. Children get to to take the lead in making decisions, discussing plans with peers and accepting various ideas through respect and appreciation. Contribution and shared ideas indeed brought life learning experiences to young children in more ways than one. The joy of achieving a collaborated piece of work brings confidence and meaning to each participating individual, where relationships in various aspects are found.

Outdoor

Finding textures in and around the garden gave children a chance to take a look at the details from their everyday environment. A re-visit of the old with new things found.

Portrait on Canvas

It was amazing to watch how children interpreted themselves or someone else when it comes to drawing faces. Each of these 5 to 6 year old children presented a collection of portraits that were soooo cute! Sketches on papers, sketchbooks to canvases were very interesting and expressive. Indeed, children are the creators of their own learning. So lovely, it is hard to part these works for the children to bring them home.

When all things turn L-O-V-E-ly...

It is no stranger to many children from 3 and above when a heart-shape is presented in front them. Many expressed their love for their families, their favorite toys, cartoon characters and friends. Some may find the shape slightly more challenging than their favorite circles for the 3 1/2 year old children. However, many interesting and creative images were presented and transform by playing with this shape. From flowers, trees to people and houses. Magic and imaginations were at their hands, transforming their dreams in their own fashion.

LOVE Printing...

The Playgroups enjoyed moments of silence, focusing on using their little palms to mix different shades of pink and red on pieces of heart-shape cut outs. Though they may not understand what "valentine's day" is all about, they sure respond with excitement when the teacher speaks "love daddy and love mummy...?" And you will see their little cherubic faces lighting up, nodding their heads!

Watching the Pussy Willows...

The 5 and 6 years old children held their magnifying glass, scrutinizing every detail of the plant that is place in the studio. The name of this plant was challenging for many to remember as everyone knows what's the Christmas tree. But, pussy willows?? Well, noticing the blooming flowers that resemble the pussy cat's tail does help them to remember the name pretty well.

Juicy Yummy Mandarin Oranges!

Watching the juicy mandarin oranges laid on the table with their big round eyes was tantalizing yet challenging. These 3 to 4 years old children were drooling with a hope that they might get a chance to rip off the skin of that citrus fruit dunk their watery mouths in there. They described what they see by looking hard and close at the oranges and some tried smelling them too. As they dived their hands into the tubs of orange and yellow shades of oil pastels, they sure have overcome their challenge of holding their drools for those moments by shading out the 'gold' for the new year!

The Unique Sound of Every Cracker!

The red collage of the firecrackers were put together by the 2 to 3 year old children at D' Atelier. Red is believed by many as an auspicious color. Some may describe the color as fiery, loud, hot, or the mother color of all colors. It is no wonder that these little children get all excited and drawn to the many different types of red materials laid in front of them. Though cuddly and small they may be, they sure know how the color red strikes beauty and life. What ways to invite a fruitful year of 2009 than to see these cute little toddlers shuffling their little fingers through trays of red bits and pieces, composing their unique collages, hearing the unique sound of every cracker!

Gong Xi! Gong Xi! Greetings from these lovely children....

It’s a celebration once again, for all the children, teachers and parents at the studio. As you visit the children and watched little activities going on at every corner, you can hear the humming of catchy Chinese tunes from these lovely children, spotting little boxes and containers of Chinese goodies in every classrooms and beautiful artworks done by these growing artists.
With these little children “sounding the cracker” of joy and victory, painting the “golden oranges” that draws wealth and prosperity and watching the awesome beauty of the “blooming pussy willows” that invites this fruitful and fabulous year of 2009, it is no wonder that the mood of celebration is right here at where you are!
Let’s celebrate with your children by believing into a year of overflowing joy, prosperity, health, creativity, and wisdom and favor in the year 2009. And may all these blessings overtake you and hunt you down this coming new year!
Gong xi! Gong xi!