An integral part of creativity is a children’s ability to test their ideas and articulate their feelings and desires. In the Studio Room, we nurture a sense of curiosity and self-expression with open-ended, natural materials, prompting organic thinking and invention that purely stems from the children. The students use these materials as a representation or translation of their experiences.

Among the core elements of the Studio Room are the elevated expectations for children to collaborate, utilize self-help skills, and practice empathy.

Together we create opportunities for conversation during snack time and group time. Children experience a sense of togetherness when they express their ideas. These conversations increase their use of vocabulary to communicate and support problem-solving skills. Meetings become more formal as the year progresses. We discuss culture, and the children explore ways to bridge themselves to their family, friends, community, and the world. We also focus on movement, music, and role-play. This stage begins their dramatic play, which becomes a practice of taking turns, inviting risk-taking and problem-solving, and learning opportunities to ask for what they need from the teachers and peers.