“The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women
who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations
have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers."
- Jean Piaget
who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations
have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers."
- Jean Piaget
The Studio's Story
For several years, Jackson Elementary has been interested in the educational philosophy known as the Reggio approach to education, developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy. In 2009, Inspired by workshops held at the Opal School and The Center For Children’s Learning at the Portland Children’s Museum, a collaboration of Jackson teachers, administrators, and staff created a mini-studio for first graders and scheduled time for children to develop their ideas and “learn through play” in center time we call “Explore”.
In 2011, the PTA was looking for a project to fund through auction donations in the paddle bid portion of the evening. Amy O'Brien wrote a proposal and presented it at the auction. With former Principal Jon Pede’s help and the help of the PTA Board and interested parents, we raised $10,000 to build what came to be called “The Creativity Studio”.
The Creativity Studio is more than an Art Studio. It is not just a place where art is created. It functions as an environment that supports creativity, collaboration, communication and expression. In the Reggio Emilia approach, the studio or “atelier” is the heart of the school. It is a “workshop for children’s ideas that manifest through the use of many materials”.
All students, K-6 have access to the studio. It houses art supplies as well as thinking materials like blocks, natural materials, and scrap materials that can be reused in projects. It can be a space for students to develop their creativity and imagination, work on arts-integrated lessons, and is a way for teachers to enhance their curriculum and take thinking deeper.
Many people are saying that what our students need to be successful in the 21st century are skills like creativity, collaboration, and empathy. The studio supports these skills. In a time when everything is fast-paced, this offers students a chance to slow down, experience hands-on learning and creation.
In 2011, the PTA was looking for a project to fund through auction donations in the paddle bid portion of the evening. Amy O'Brien wrote a proposal and presented it at the auction. With former Principal Jon Pede’s help and the help of the PTA Board and interested parents, we raised $10,000 to build what came to be called “The Creativity Studio”.
The Creativity Studio is more than an Art Studio. It is not just a place where art is created. It functions as an environment that supports creativity, collaboration, communication and expression. In the Reggio Emilia approach, the studio or “atelier” is the heart of the school. It is a “workshop for children’s ideas that manifest through the use of many materials”.
All students, K-6 have access to the studio. It houses art supplies as well as thinking materials like blocks, natural materials, and scrap materials that can be reused in projects. It can be a space for students to develop their creativity and imagination, work on arts-integrated lessons, and is a way for teachers to enhance their curriculum and take thinking deeper.
Many people are saying that what our students need to be successful in the 21st century are skills like creativity, collaboration, and empathy. The studio supports these skills. In a time when everything is fast-paced, this offers students a chance to slow down, experience hands-on learning and creation.