In the art studio, we encourage the children to use these different materials, or media, to express their ideas and thoughts. Another important piece of the Reggio approach is learning to use the available materials. For example, the children learn to wipe their paintbrushes on a cup to prevent drips on their papers. They also learn to mix primary colors to create secondary colors and how to use clay tools to carve and sculpt their clay. A third factor is combining media to create works of art and advance the symbolic thought of children.
Symbolic thought is important for children's literacy development.
Combining media would involve using wire, bolts, screws, and pipes so children can create an imaginative work of art that tell a story. The Greenhouse Our Transition students, ages six and seven, are based in The Greenhouse. In addition to being the production area for our organic gardening, The Greenhouse contains two literacy rooms, an art studio, a Spanish classroom, a large Dramatic Play area, and a special math and science exploration area. Rows and rows of organically grown plants, especially heirloom vegetables, are the basis of The Greenhouse horticulture program. Tropical palms and fruit trees, rare cacti and succulents, line our elongated, sun-drenched grow room, adding to the beauty of this unique learning area.