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

Loris Malaguzzi, the original spokesperson for the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, is said to have favored a popular approach to an academic one in spreading his message. He did not trust the academic world to convey the approach with its integrity preserved.Reading Vecchi's work is an insight into the atelier space, and the Reggio-Emilia approach in general, written from the perspective of a former atelierista. It is a loving attempt to link together the various parts of the approach in the aesthetic dimension.I purchased this book to use for a research paper in a master's course on early childhood education. With this book and a few journal articles I was able to write a strong paper about the Reggio Emilia approach and explore the position of the atelierista.At the time of this review, making and maker spaces were part of a new educational trend in the United States. Many of these spaces have yet to develop self-identity: what is the goal of the space, what should the experience of the space look like from the teacher and student's perspective? I believe that the Reggio Emilia approach provides a strong precedent for an alternative vision of creative spaces in the atelier, and this book gives the reader a solid insight into the history and responsibilities of that position.

Vea Vecchi is a brilliant thinker. She and Carlina Rinaldi are two of the most essential writers for those who want to understand the work of the Reggio Emilia schools. They challenge us to be courageous and have the conviction of staying true to children and their experience. Vecchi is also true to the studio. Honesty, deep passion and respect are well modeled by this "atalierist's atalierista".Grazi Mille!

I have't been able to read the entire book yet but each time I read a section I'm blown away again. And if I re-read it, I make new connections, it's definitely a book I'll return to as a teacher every year.

ASIN:B01ECNSJKS THE SPIRIT OF MATTER: A Database Handbook for Therapists, Artists and EducatorsAs an art therapist and educator, mentoring others- this is THE one of the most important books on art teaching from any perspsective!

The voice of a highly intelligent and passionate person, experienced educator and collaborator! I would love to sit at a table with her and talk...a lot of shared perceptions and understandings of the world, and working with children! Inspiring and motivating!

Wonderful account from Vea Vecchi of the role of creativity and more. The writing, although it had been translated from Italian, is as if Vea is talking to the reader.

Very nice book. I recommend it.

A refreshingly honest revisit of the artistic process of the Atelier. A timely reminder to look a lot deeper and listen more acutely.