Language of Materials: Exploring Mark Making with Young Children

In the spirit of the Reggio Emilia approach, children have a hundred languages—countless ways of thinking, expressing, listening, inventing, and making meaning. Join us for a virtual exploration of the studio as we look closely at the language of mark making and the many possibilities it can offer young children.

Language of Materials Workshop: Exploring the Studio

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, “The studio is not an isolated place where artistic things happen. It is a laboratory for thinking.” -Lella Gandini. Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, believed that young children have a hundred ways of speaking, listening, and being. Those languages should be encouraged and explored. When you invite a child to draw, the act of drawing creates a pathway for a child to express themselves more fully and more often than not a story or a dialogue accompanies their work.

In Mud: Nature-based Early Childhood Education

Spring in the Tetons begins with mud! Join our 9th annual workshop featuring keynote Erin Tanzer from Antioch University New England. Learn about outdoor risky play for children’s development and hear practical strategies for integrating children’s perspectives into teaching. Explore hands-on activities, research insights, and ways to support life-long learning through outdoor play.

Language of Materials Workshop: Sewing with Children

Inspired by Reggio Emilia, this workshop explores the “hundred languages” of children through sewing. Participants will learn basic techniques, tools, and strategies for engaging young children in creative sewing projects. Explore ways to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and exploration, while setting children and teachers up for success in studio-based, hands-on learning experiences.