Why a materials playgroup?

Materials are just one of the many tools children have to express their ideas. In the Reggio Approach there is a strong belief that children have hundreds of ways of expressing themselves. It is our job (as educators, parents, humans) to give children opportunities to become familiar with varying types of materials that allow each child to discover new ways of communicating and expressing ideas, theories, and feelings. Very early on children begin to manipulate materials/toys in an attempt to convey meaning. Take for example a young baby using a piece of fabric to play peek-a-boo. The fabric becomes a language to play with the idea of separating and rejoining. Then there is the child who uses food to paint all over his or her highchair tray, thus expressing interest in texture or signaling the meal is over. These are just a few examples of how materials become modes of expression.



I am particularly interested in the art of presenting children with provocations using different art materials ranging from fabric to clay to paint to wire (just a few of my favorite materials). By forming a playgroup I could focus on exploring materials and the interactions between the babies and their parents. Sessions together would begin with materials as the backdrop to getting to know the environment and each other. Babies could explore the materials at their own pace and interact with the material if they choose or any of the other items available. Each session would build on previous experiences . By continuing to offer materials that we explore in previous sessions the children will have time to explore materials to their fullest and then be able to access the material for deeper explorations as they grow and change.