One of the greatest challenges for teachers is to try the find the key which unlocks the potential inside each and every one of the children in their care.
Creating a climate in which it is possible to observe, explore and experiment, to share ideas and to listen to others calls for a very special environment. It is a place where choice is encouraged and risk-taking is welcomed, where the pleasure comes from doing and not from producing. It is, above all, a place of trust and cooperation. It is a beautiful space, and it is our Art Studio.
Last week we could see how children enjoy activities such as the dancing & painting one that Miss Jane organised for this first weeks. Take a look at it!
One of the greatest pleasures of the past term has been to observe the children as they respond to the different stimuli provided by Miss Jane. They are learning to negotiate and make decisions. They are choosing materials and techniques. They are discussing likes and dislikes and justifying their opinions. They are intent upon their work and know what they want to achieve. They are creating in a hundred different ways and it is beautiful to see.
When Loris Malaguzzi described the 100 languages of children he was reminding us of the need to recognize the many ways in which they respond and engage with their environment. It is through the Expressive Arts that each individual has an opportunity to find his or her inner voice and to communicate with the outside world. But the voice also needs to be heard.
