Family Atelier Day is an opportunity for a parent, grandparent, or other loved one to join their child during Atelier. Adults are encouraged to come alongside their child, research, play, and have fun while experimenting with the materials. Here’s what you can expect and helpful tips to make the most of your morning together:

Prepare your child ahead of time - Let your child know who will be joining them for Atelier and how the day will be a little different or special. If your child struggles with changes to their routine you might want to check in with their classroom teacher to see what the flow of the day will be for them. For example, if you’re in the first group you might say “I will meet you after you unpack your backpack, we will go to Atelier together and then I’ll give you a kiss goodbye so you can go to snack.” Or if you’re in the last group, “After your playground time, I’ll join you for Atelier. I can’t wait to choose a beautiful paint color at the easel!”

After meeting your child in the preschool entryway, our Atelierista, Ms. Melanie will welcome families and share some of the provocations offered both inside the Atelier and on the grass area outside. To support meaningful work with the materials, the class will be divided into small groups - similar to how they do for their weekly Atelier visit. Some children may explore all the provocations while others may spend a longer time at only one or two - follow your child’s lead. This is an exciting morning and they may need a moment to settle in and get immersed in their work.

Be present with your child - Sometimes adults can hesitate to jump in with materials or automatically begin making representational art. We encourage you to follow your child’s lead and borrow their confidence. Observe their technique with a material and give it a try. “You are making lines down the paper in that beautiful blue color. I wonder what might happen if I add yellow dots next to your lines?”

Ms. Melanie and a classroom teacher will be with each small group, taking photos and notes for documentation. Although it’s tempting to use this time to check in with your classroom teacher, we encourage you to stay present with your child during Family Atelier and save socializing for Open House on October 17th when families will have time to go into the classrooms, chat with teachers, and enjoy dinner on the grass with other families.

Lastly, we understand that sometimes a parent’s schedule doesn’t allow for them to make it to events during the school day. Family Atelier Days can be enjoyed with any special loved one - parent, grandparent, other family member, or even a beloved nanny or caretaker. However, if more than one parent or loved one is available - all are welcome to join! If an adult is not able to join us for Family Atelier, please let your classroom teachers know in advance.

Do you have older children who are PPP alumni? Alumni Atelier is Saturday, October 19th!