In The Spirit Of The Studio: Learning From The Atelier Of Reggio Emilia (Early Childhood Education) (Paperback)

~ Lella Gandini (Editor), Lynn Hill (Editor), Louise Cadwell (Editor), Charles Schwall (Editor)
Key Phrases: pedagogical patterns, first atelier, atelier environment, Reggio Emilia, Michael School, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book will help to promote a vibrant and creative approach to learning that will enrich American children's educational experience." - Barbara and Eric Carle, author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. "It's now widely understood that the preschools of; Reggio Emilia are among the most important educational endeavors of the last century. Theoretically grounded and eminently practical, drawing on experiences in Italy and the United States, this book probes deeply into the atelier, the heartland of a Reggio-inspired school." - Howard Gardner, author of Changing Minds and Good Work; "A book that is intended to reveal the meaning of the atelier in the world of schools and learning gives me nothing but joy and receives my warmest support." - From the Foreword by Vea Vecchi, Atelierista, 1970-2001, Diana School, Reggio Emilia, Italy Consultant, Reggio Children s.r.I."

Product Description

As the authors state in their opening chapter, "prepare to be amazed." This beautiful book describes the revolution that the Reggio Emiliaatelier (art studio) brought to the education of young children in Italy, and follows that revolution across the ocean to North America. It explores how the experiences of children interacting with rich materials in the atelier affect an entire school's approach to the construction and expression of thought and learning.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press (April 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080774591X
• ISBN-13: 978-0807745915
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,243 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Pam Oken-Wright, a teacher, December 8, 2006

By	Pam Oken-Wright "a teacher" - See all my reviews

A beautiful book, a pleasure to the eye and hand as well as to the mind, In The Spirit Of The Studio: Learning from the Atelier of Reggio Emilia presents as two voices, alternating between the insight of experienced teachers and atelieristi from Reggio Emilia and studio teachers in the United States. As the voices alternate, the diversity of contexts and experiences resonates. Yet, throughout the book, in every chapter, there rings a common message: the studio is, beyond a special place in a school, a way of thinking, and a metaphor for a particular way of teaching. In the Spirit of the Studio offers an unprecedented window into the thinking behind the atelier, Loris Malaguzzi's intentions for it, the growth of those intentions, and the American experience as influenced by them. Full of wisdom, provocation, and stories from the atelier, this beautiful book holds up for us yet another lens (or two or three) through which to look at what we are doing and at the possibilities that wait for us, if we accept the invitation...to the studio. As the publisher suggests on the back cover of In The Spirit Of The Studio : Learning from the Atelier of Reggio Emilia, prepare to be amazed.
Extract from the Review by Pam Oken-Wright, published in Innovations in Early Childhood Education: The International Reggio Exchange vol.12.n.2, Spring 2005

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly useful, July 20, 2006

By	Emma Daly "Emma" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are working in Early Childhood Education this book has so many creative approaches and ideas that you could adapt and implement. Beautifully illustrated, the documented learning is visible and attractive, and really inspired me in my practice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reggio Emilia Approach Explained Well, January 12, 2007

By	Sharon Kilfoy "Williamson Street Art Center" (Madison, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book that explains the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. It emphasizes the importance of art in the curriculum. Examples given from various schools can be adapted to many settings. Photos and sections written by different educators are helpful.