Taylor’s Atelier
I was looking for resources on the Reggio Emilia approach to education and happened upon these photos of a room redesign. They got my gears turning, and I immediately set out to rearrange Taylor’s space to meet her current needs and encourage creativity. The definition of atelier is “artist’s studio,” and within the context of Reggio Emilia, the thoughtful design of an individual’s environment can itself encourage exploration and creation.
Before
This transformation may not appear dramatic; however, the small changes I made have significantly shifted the energy in the room and inspired Taylor to play, learn, explore, and create in new ways.
After
Activity Books
Sticker books, Mad Libs, Sketch pads, and coloring books. Instead of searching through Taylor’s extensive library for these books when we’re on our way out the door, we can quickly grab a few activities from this box and be on our way.
Stencils
Block letter stencils. Cursive letter stencils. Leaf stencils. Sea life stencils. Geometric shape stencils. And in addition to the stencils themselves, there are also dot paints, brushes, and sponge brushes too, just in case Taylor wants to create these shapes with paint instead of pen and pencil.
Adhesives
This box contains all things sticky — glue, glue sticks, stickers, tape, and sticky notes.
Scrap Box
This box catches all those extra pieces of paper and material leftover from previous projects and is a great landing pad for toilet paper rolls and other reusable, open-ended items.
Easel & Tempera Paints
Taylor’s had this easel since she was just over a year old, and she still uses it when the mood strikes. She and I gave the structure a good wipe-down, and it’s as good as new.
Playdough & Playdough Tools
Taylor and I made a double-batch of homemade playdough a few months back, and we stored it in old yogurt containers. Along with the playdough are cookie cutters and clay utensils.
Crayons
We seem to collect crayons faster than we can find a home for them, so an open box like this works really well. This plastic box belonged to me when I was a child.
Glitter Glue
This handy duo of already mixed glitter and glue is perfect for adorning projects with a sparkly accent. Taylor’s collection of colors is stored in a sturdy, clear plastic bag with a zipper (that I saved from my teaching credential days because I knew it would eventually serve another purpose).
Paper Tray
I had my eye on a wooden paper sorter with several shallow shelves, but it costs 50 bucks, and I would need to order it online without feeling the quality of the material first. So…I opted for this metal sorter that’s actually intended to stand upright. Lying on its side, it fits three tiers of paper for easy access.
Caddy
I got this ingenious idea from the inspiration photos. Colored pencils, black pens, markers, scissors, rules, and smaller sizes of paper are housed in this bamboo utensil holder with a handle. Taylor can easily tote this entire collection of tools to wherever she needs it and minimize the need to interrupt what she’s doing to retrieve additional materials.
Hanging Line
I drilled two holes and screwed eye-hooks into each one, stringing picture-hanging wire in between them to display Taylor’s most recent works. Items can be hung with a clothes pin, tape, or by draping them over the top of the wire.
Craft Supply Jars
I bought Mason jars in two sizes and filled them with crafty embellishments like googly eyes, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, sea shells, cotton balls, wooden stars, and cotton swabs. I chose Mason jars because they’re economical; Taylor can see what’s inside them easily; and they’re versatile containers that can be used in every room of the house.
Pocket Chart
This was left over from my teaching days, and I thought Taylor might like to make use of it. I took direction from Taylor’s interest in knowing what we have scheduled in the coming weeks, and we created personalized cards for each day (e.g. music class, trip to Healdsburg, playdates, etc.).
Containers
In the photos that inspired this project, you’ll notice nice, wicker baskets and other store-bought containers. I initially wanted to buy similar products but quickly discovered that they are quite expensive. I just couldn’t bring myself to pay $25 for one basket! Instead I re-purposed containers we already have, and Taylor and I decorated cardboard boxes that were collecting dust in the basement.
Metal Shelves
This small shelving unit served as a resting place for our vermicomposting bins (and before that, it belonged in a kitchenette area at one of Jim’s former workplaces), and now it fits perfectly between the heating vent and Taylor’s bookshelf.
White Bookshelves
These two sets of shelves initially sat side-by-side underneath the window, and I moved one of them near the art supplies for extra surface area and to store items that may need to be used on a table. (In the top row of shelves, from left to right: puzzles and tanagrams; pattern blocks; library books; picture books. In the bottom row of shelves, from left to right: wooden blocks and train; games; chapter books.) It’s difficult to see in this photo, but there’s also a white book sitting on top of the bookshelf, Taylor’s most recent publication, All About Worms.
Table & Chairs
I bought this sturdy set a few years ago from Ikea and covered it with paper to catch all those glue-y, painty drips and for those times when Taylor colors beyond the piece of paper immediately in front of her.
Rocking Chair
When I began rearranging the furniture in Taylor’s room, I discovered how convenient it would be to remove the rocking chair from the room completely and free up some space. On the other hand, the rocking chair’s location is central and meaningful to our family. It’s where I nursed Taylor when she was an infant. It’s where Jim reads books to Taylor before bed every night. And Taylor loves reading by herself in the morning sunlight. By setting the chair at an angle, it remains in a cozy and functional spot for all of us to enjoy.
With a little inspiration and creativity of my own, I easily transformed half of Taylor’s bedroom into an inviting and playful space for all who visit.
