We believe our most creative and inventive citizens are our youngest learners. Creating learning environments which are inquiry based – science, technology, engineering, artistic design, and mathematics STEAM – requires a transformation of thinking across the teaching organization. If we want to raise innovative people, then we must design schools that allow space and time for children to create with their hands and minds.
What is a Provocation? Teachers inspired by Reggio Emilia schools place great emphasis on using materials and activities as a provocation—as a teaching strategy that provokes children to play with materials, language, and ideas. As recently published by Davis Publications, Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool is featured in Beautiful Stuff from Nature: More Learning with Found Materials (2019). Many schools like Pinnacle embrace the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, which include:
- A deep respect for the ideas of children and teachers – that elevate learning beyond standards.
- An understanding that knowledge is constructed over time and in socially charged environments.
- A belief that open-ended materials and media are powerful tools for communicating ideas and stories.
- An understanding that documentation makes learning visible and curriculum actionable.
- A belief that collaboration of teachers and children in the pursuit of knowledge is enjoyable and rewarding for all.
At this conference discover the remarkable ways the Atelierista or studio art teacher supports the teachers and students in their explorations of tools and materials. Join us as Dr. Gigi Yu and our educators share our stories, projects and inspirations.
Pinnacle Conference Center
25150 North Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
June 20, 2020
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
*6 Professional development hours*