In the Spirit of the Studio

Back in the 90's, I visited early learning centres and schools in Reggio Emilia and then travelled to Scandinavia and the USA to view schools that had responded to the provocations that Reggio Emilia provided.

As a young teacher with 3 small children I was overwhelmed and delighted by the possibilities that these educational environments provided. The focus on the child and the respect for the strength and capabilities of the child and the thinking and work they produced was stunning.

It is in considering a future learning space that I revisited the wise words of these Italian educators, Loris Malaguzzi in particular. These schools began with nothing - a devastated city, soon after WWII. There was little employment, money, sustenance or a functioning community. As has happened in our indigenous communities the women took control. With Loris Malguzzi guiding them, and with the strong belief that through their children and education they could rebuild, they created early childhood centres that have become beacons in education.

This serves as an example of what is possible when there is a strong collaborative community spirit and determination to succeed. That said the demands of a refugee camp and the devastation and results of war and trauma are in these years far greater. Basic water, sanitation and food requirements taking precedence and so it is that organisations such as 'Teachers Without Borders' and are vital to the future of so many.

However, the idea of an atelier as conceived by Loris Malaguzzi and which is integral to many early childhood and primary school establishments should be seriously considered. It would provide a way for children to express themselves, exchange ideas and construct meaning, to make sense of their experiences and perhaps find some joy in learning.