Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
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.
Following a detailed introduction by the series editors, Gunilla Dahlberg and Peter Moss, considering the significance of the author's text for early childhood education more generally, the book concludes with an interview between Vea and the series editors, which provides an opportunity to explore issues that readers may themselves feel intrigued or curious about having read Vea's words.