Our journey with reclaimed materials took place following a conference in 2011, the presentation for the conference was given by “Artiliers” from Reggio Emilio in Italy.
The focus was working on building links with Sightlines and expanding the Italian approach to creativity within settings in England.
To young children the World is full of materials; to touch, discover and explore. We encourage children to find, collect, sort and use materials to develop creative expression in children’s learning, which will lead to adventure and discovery. Children possess a natural openness to the potential of various materials.
Our aim at Rosemary Lane Nursery is to allow children the time and freedom to explore collections of materials and to use them in a variety of ways.
The openness of using reclaimed materials provide endless opportunities for creative model building, role play, pattern making, construction and much more, the possibilities are endless! What many people see as rubbish, we view as TREASURE!
To enable us to have well stocked areas for children to select their materials staff rely on the support of parents, the community and local businesses, we also use the “House of Objects”. Materials are sourced regularly and changed so children are enthusiastic and inspired.
The journey of creating is far more important than the finished product!! There is no right or wrong way only imagination and determination.
Staff support children, encouraging them to adapt, change and problem solve, Staff challenge each individual child to use their imagination and skills to ensure that they reach their full creative potential.
Children’s creations are precious and important so we ensure that we have a holding area where models are kept safe and can be re-visited.
Reclaimed materials are so popular at Rosemary Lane that we have several areas dedicated to this work both indoors and outdoors and both on large and small scale.
Staff observe children and their interests to allow them to offer more challenges to support learning.
We celebrate children’s work and achievements through individual Learning Journeys, displays and documentation.
Children are encouraged to take calculated risks using materials and tools that are new to them – scissors, hammers, wire cutters etc these are modelled and supervised to ensure that children become skilled, independent creators.
All tools are accessible but stored safely within the areas.
We hope that all parents enjoy being part of our journey in enabling your children to become imaginative, creative explorers.
