Workshop Description:
This hands-on, reflective workshop invites early years practitioners to explore the concept of the atelier—an inspiring, creative space for children to investigate materials, express ideas, and engage in imaginative thinking. Together, we will unpack the many forms an atelier can take; from small shelves, cupboards, mobile boxes, outdoor nooks, and even hidden corners that spark curiosity and wonder.
Participants will explore where to begin when designing an atelier that responds to their unique setting and how to make these spaces rich, inviting, and meaningful. Through discussion and practical strategies, we will consider how the atelier can support creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also exploring its role in nurturing children’s relationships with materials and ideas.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on how to introduce children to the care and use of atelier spaces and materials
- Explore the purpose and pedagogical potential of the atelier in an early year’s settings
- Explore a variety of atelier formats (indoor, outdoor, mobile, mini and unconventional spaces)
- Identify key approaches for setting up and maintaining an atelier
- Discover approaches to designing a space that fosters imagination, creativity and exploration
- Evaluate different storage solutions suitable for a wide range of materials and settings
- Consider how to work within environmental, spatial, and resource-based constraints to create meaningful atelier experiences.
This workshop supports a reflective, collaborative approach, allowing practitioners to draw inspiration from each other and leave with practical ideas tailored to their own early year’s environments.
Light refreshments provided
