Thank you for joining us for Family Atelier Days earlier this month! We are grateful to offer this event for the second year as a time for children and families to work alongside one another. Adults have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the perspective of their child as they slow down and research the potential of mark making materials. 

The role of families is a cornerstone of the Reggio Emilia approach, partnering with parents as active participants in the education of their children. The educators of the municipal schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy outline their educational values in A Bill of Three Rights: the rights of children, educators and parents. Children have the right to “feel assured of an effective alliance with adults”  which supports “more than the simple transmission of knowledge and skills, but rather the development of their ability to research constructive strategies of thinking and action.”

The family is a child’s first teacher.  Partnering with parents sustains “a cooperative understanding between parents and educators” which “adds immeasurably to the educational prospects of children.” Children learn best through relationships (actually, we all do). When we experiment, inquire, and research alongside others, we loan our knowledge and expertise to them while allowing them to lend their perspective and experience to us. This collaboration leads to impactful learning.

Thank you for joining us for this year's Family Atelier Days. We are grateful for your support in creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences for our students. During this season of gratitude, we are most thankful for each of you!

A Bill of Three Rights is available on the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) website: https://www.reggioalliance.org/downloads/v2.n1.rights.pdf