“Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond.”
— Loris Malaguzzi, in Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (Eds.). The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education (1998, 2nd ed., p. 80). Ablex Publishing.

Process-Based Art Class for Preschool- Aged Children

This early childhood art class is grounded in a process-based approach, emphasizing exploration, experimentation, and the intrinsic value of creative expression. Children are invited to engage with a wide range of materials in open-ended ways to support children’s cognitive, emotional, and sensory development through meaningful encounters with materials.

The class is facilitated by experienced art educators who thoughtfully design the environment and support children’s engagement with materials. Educators act as co-learners and guides, observing closely, asking open-ended questions, and offering gentle scaffolding to extend thinking and deepen creative inquiry.

Inspired by the philosophies of educators such as Loris Malaguzzi (Reggio Emilia), John Dewey, and Lev Vygotsky, this approach views art-making as a language of expression and a tool for constructing knowledge. It recognizes the environment and materials as co-teachers, and positions the child as an active participant in their own learning.

Process-based art supports early learning by encouraging decision-making, sustained attention, and problem-solving. As children manipulate materials—mixing colors, layering textures, constructing forms—they develop fine motor coordination, spatial awareness, and sensory integration. The open structure of the sessions promotes autonomy and self-regulation, while also providing opportunities for social interaction and language development as children share ideas and experiences with peers.

Age: 3-5 years old (must be independent in the bathroom)
Time: 9:45 am-11:45 am (caregivers are invited to stay and play for 30 extra minutes until 12:15)
Class size: 18 children (min of 2 educators)
Dates: Sept 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20, 27
Fees: Introductory Pricing $65 per month for three months (11 classes)
Location: Unit 24, 3220 5th Ave NE in Common Digs ReImagine Centre