NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. - The University of Oklahoma’s Institute of Child Development has unveiled a new atelier, a dedicated studio space designed to nurture creativity and discovery among the youngest learners. Inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, the atelier offers children from 5 weeks to 5 years old the opportunity to explore paint, clay, paper, light and other materials as “languages” of learning and expression. The space can be ever-changing based on the students’ interests.
“This space is really about honoring the numerous ways that children communicate,” said Jen Murphy, director of the ICD. “We follow what’s called the Reggio Emilia Approach in the inspiration for the atelier, and one of the guiding ideas of that philosophy is that children have a hundred ways — and a hundred more — to show us what they know.”
Materials as Languages
What sets the atelier apart is the way materials are viewed — not just as supplies, but as languages for thinking and expression.
“If I sat infants down with paint, paper and a brush, they don’t yet have a schema for that,” Murphy said. “At first, paint is just a sensory experience — they’re going to feel the paint as they paint themselves. Later, we might introduce paper separately. Eventually, we combine the two, and suddenly, they’re creating a language. That’s what we mean when we say materials are languages.”
For teachers, this means stepping into the role of researcher alongside children. They introduce materials, observe how children respond, and often discover entirely new ways of using them. “We might ‘mess about’ with materials ourselves first, then see how children surprise us with their own ideas,” Murphy said.
Learning for Teachers-in-Training
Because the ICD is a lab school, the atelier also benefits students from the OU Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education who are preparing to become teachers. This semester, 26 juniors in early childhood education are spending four hours a week in classrooms, putting theory into practice.
“They can use the atelier with children and think about how they’ll bring similar materials into their own classrooms,” Murphy said. “It’s a space for them to learn, too.”
Graduate students and faculty also use the space for research. Looking ahead, Murphy hopes to host artists-in-residence from OU’s art department and, eventually, a gallery showing of children’s work at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.
“To show the capabilities of young children on that kind of stage would be incredible,” she said.
A Long-Planned Space
The atelier was an intentional part of the ICD’s move to campus in 2021. When the building was refurbished, faculty and staff ensured that space was allocated for a dedicated Reggio-inspired studio. Construction wrapped up in spring 2023, and this fall marks its first semester of full use.
Teachers can sign up to bring small groups throughout the day. While they’re excited about the opportunities, Murphy acknowledges some initial nerves. “There’s a little intimidation — like, ‘What are we going to do in there?’” she said with a smile. “So at staff meetings, we’ll take time to play as adults in the atelier. That helps teachers feel more comfortable presenting materials to children.”
Rooted in Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education originated in Italy and is renowned worldwide for its innovative practices. Rather than relying on a prescribed curriculum, Reggio Emilia emphasizes inquiry, creativity and viewing children as capable citizens from birth.
At OU’s ICD, every classroom includes art and open-ended materials, but the atelier provides a dedicated place to dive deeper.
“All of our classrooms have similar materials,” Murphy said, “but the atelier is a space where small groups can explore more fully. If children show a fascination with clay, the whole atelier can shift into a clay studio. If it’s wire, we can center it around that. It’s flexible, based on what the children are telling us through their interests.”
Children as Citizens From Birth
For Murphy, the atelier represents more than a studio. It’s a statement about how children are viewed.
“I’m a big proponent of people seeing the capabilities of children right from the moment of birth,” she said. “We don’t have to wait until they’re 18 to make them citizens of this world. They are ready now. To provide them with a space like this, where they have the materials and opportunities to show us what they can do — that’s exciting for me.”
The creation of this atelier was partially supported by the U.S. Department of Education CCAMPIS grant (PI: Kyong-Ah Kwon), which provided materials and supplies for children. It was designed and co-created by the Early Childhood Education faculty.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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