Growing Together as Educators: CPD on ‘The Atelier and Atelierista’
Our Spotlight SHC Article SHC Early years SHC Nursery SHC Story SHC TeacherAt Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, we are committed to continuous professional development (CPD) to ensure our teachers consistently refine their skills and expertise. Recently, we had the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach through a CPD session led by our very own Catherine Okill, Assistant Principal for Key Stage 1 (Early Years–Year 2).
Gathering in the heart of our Early Years Hub, where we regularly collaborate and plan lessons aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, Ms Okill guided her team through the workshop on organising The Atelier—a dedicated creative space designed to nurture children’s artistic expression and cognitive development.
Experiencing The Atelier
From the moment we walked into the workshop, we were immersed in the experience ourselves. Different ateliers were set up, inviting us to engage with materials just as our children would. There was a sense of curiosity, calm, and discovery—reminding us of the importance of hands-on, exploratory learning.
But what exactly is an Atelier? By definition, an Atelier is an artist’s studio; however, in a Reggio Emilia-inspired setting, it becomes much more than an art room. It is a laboratory for creativity, exploration, and transformation, where children construct knowledge and develop skills through various artistic and sensory experiences. This is where the Atelierista—a teacher like us who facilitates rather than instructs—plays a crucial role, guiding children to express themselves through different mediums while developing fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and curiosity about the world around them.
Applying The Atelier in Our Classrooms
This CPD was not just about theory—it was about practice. As we engaged in discussions and hands-on exploration, we reflected on how The Atelier could come to life in our own classrooms. We realised that it’s not about teaching children how to ‘do’ art; rather, it’s about giving them the freedom to explore, make decisions, and express themselves in their own way.
If parents visit our classrooms—especially in the afternoons—they may notice art materials scattered around, a testament to the children’s active engagement. Rather than following rigid templates, children are encouraged to use their imagination to create freely. Messiness is a sign of deep learning!
Teachers facilitate by asking open-ended questions, engaging children in dialogue, and integrating multiple skills, including language development when conversing with our native-speaking teachers.
Growing as a Team
As educators, we are always learning too. Through sessions like this, we sharpen our skills, challenge our perspectives, and bring new ideas to our teaching. The Atelier is not just a space for children—it is a mindset that we, as teachers, embrace to create environments rich in creativity, collaboration, and discovery.
A huge thank you to Ms Okill for leading this inspiring session. We are excited to continue growing together and bringing these valuable insights into our classrooms every day!