The ultimate education battle: Reggio Emilia vs Montessori. These two approaches, often used interchangeably, seem to pop out everywhere, from Pinterest activities to Instagram-worthy classroom setups. But are they the two sides of the same coin? Not quite. So let’s try to move beyond superficial labels, diving deep into the fundamental principles, methodologies, and classroom
Art Education
Is Reggio Emilia the Same as Montessori? A Personal Experience
My Real-World Lessons from Reggio and Montessori Schools “Is Reggio Emilia the same as Montessori?” Suppose we are picturing educational philosophies as characters in a boxing ring; we might see Reggio Emilia with its team spirit in one corner and Montessori with its ‘do-it-yourself’ vibe in the other. While both are heavyweights in the world of
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Art Education
The Best Loose Parts Play Ideas for Toddlers
In the realm of early childhood education, loose parts play is a dynamic approach rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. It recognizes that children are innate learners who flourish when granted the freedom to explore and create on their own terms. Prepare to embark on a practical and playful adventure where possibilities are as boundless as a child’s
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Art Education
What is loose parts play?
Loose parts play refers to a style of play that involves open-ended materials or objects that can be manipulated, moved, and combined in countless ways by children. These materials are called “loose parts” because they are not fixed or limited in their use. They can be anything from natural elements like sticks, stones, and leaves to everyday objects such as buttons, fabric scraps, or empty
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Mixed Media
Unlock Imagination: Calder Fish Mobile Lesson – A Vibrant Dive into Kinetic Art & Modernism
This Calder fish mobile lesson has become a bit of a staple around here as there’s more to it than meets the eye. While we aren’t crafting a “true” mobile with every piece dancing around, this project is a great first step into some other big ideas.Ever heard of kinetic art? This project gives kids
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Art Education
Play Like a Surrealist: 13 Surrealist Games and Techniques to Unleash Kids Creativity
In the context of art education, Surrealist games can be a useful tool to disinhibit students and unlock their creativity.More so, they are a valuable component of any open-ended art exploration and a wonderful addition to project-based curriculums.
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Art History
Floating through the narrative universe of Marc Chagall’s art
What makes Chagall’s art so special? Ask me, and I’ll tell you that what makes Chagall’s art so special is the rich imaginary world he created through his paintings. Of course, he was an outstanding colorist, but I don’t believe his works would have been as powerful without the incredible set of characters that he
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Art Education
How to teach Chagall’s art? Thoughts on art and storytelling
Why Chagall? I was thirteen and about to start art school when 150 of Chagall’s painting arrived in Turin for an incredible exhibition of the artists’ oeuvre. To this day, I remember the guided tour I joined with my parents and the incredible journey we did through Chagall’s art and life: 19th century Russia, the
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Art Education
How to make color theory actually fun
AKA, how to take one of the least creative bits of art education and make it inspiring. The issue with teaching color theory (most times) While color theory is definitely significant in art practice, the actual argument has arguably more to do with science than with art. This is to say, that color theory classes