Being an Artist and a Reggio Inspired Preschool Teacher

From a young age being a preschool teacher is something I knew I would be good at, but was not interested in. I wanted to make a living off of my art and creativity. Who doesn't want to build a business out of their passions, make their own hours, and be their own boss, am I right?

Full time artist is still my goal, but funny as life is, I did become a preschool teacher after moving to New Orleans in 2019. I started a job at an amazing Reggio inspired preschool a few months after moving here called Little Gate. 

What I could not have told you when beginning this job is just how much the children would teach me about art, creation, exploration, creativity, joy, life, love, perspective… and pretty much any key aspect of a happy life. 

They have inspired me every single day since beginning my journey at Little Gate. 

First let me explain a little bit about the style of teaching we use with this age range (12 months - 4 years). The Reggio Emilia Approach is an approach to learning that originated in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy. It is deeply rooted in the belief that children are capable of curating their own learning. They are viewed as competent collaborators who can interact with their surroundings in a meaningful way. Children growing in this Reggio environment are encouraged to express their emotions and feelings about what they discover as they explore. We show their growth through documentation after these interactions. This style of learning is a child-led approach that allows the child a chance to communicate and show those around them their discoveries through play, exploration, experiences, and provocations. 

Nature is a key component of this learning which only furthers the opportunity of the child to show us the small magics and wonders of the world that, as adults, we lose the ability to see. As we grow society has a way of teaching us to subconsciously put blinders up and limit our ability to detect these small magics. We become overwhelmed, stressed, and worried about what everybody is thinking of us, our ideas, our dreams, etc. 

Being able to work with children in this freeing and enriching environment has inspired me beyond belief. The children point out certain ways to interact with the world that I never would have thought of, or have simply overlooked. It is truly amazing to see just how capable such young children are if we only give them the time and opportunities to show us. 

After working at a school whose way of teaching is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, nature became an absolute in my art. I have always had a love and admiration for nature but I finally felt that connection to people who understood how magical these pieces of the world are. These little friends that surround me each day are amazed at the smallest of leaves or overjoyed when the wind blows and makes a cool breeze. They shriek with excitement when a raindrop hits their head, and giggle uncontrollably when they discover a caterpillar crawling over a vibrant green leaf. 

And you may think “of course, they are kids.”

But these are the small moments of discovery that make up any stage of life. And as adults we begin to take them for granted, and after a while they become lost to our eyes. We overlook these small moments of joy and love, which are extremely important to feel true day-to-day fulfillment. 

As we age, we subconsciously stop noticing these simple reminders and lessons of peace. The bee that lands on us perhaps mistaking us for a flower… we smack away out of fear. We take for granted how precious a deep breath is. How beautiful a cloud is or how transformative a thunderstorm can be for our soul if we only let it. 

And thus… through a little friend's love for life... part of my inspiration to create reminders of self love and rediscover the way we go about our day was born.

As adults, we must become aware of these detrimental negative habits of overlooking the beauty in everyday life, then make a conscious effort to change them. Reconnect with the child within. Here is where we will begin to see a difference in our day to day happiness. We can all learn so much from children and their endlessly open, genuine, and authentic minds.