From the Classroom of Laurie Kocher
Laurie Kocher teaches kindergarten in the public school system in British Columbia. She is continually exploring and adapting her work to reflect the growing influence of Reggio-inspired principles. These
photos represent some of those ongoing transitions in the environment.September 2002
contact Laurie at bramasole@shaw.ca
Our garden bench provides an inviting place to come and sit with a friend or read a book. The storage shelves are filled with family photos brought by the children – a reminder of our community of families.
China tea set
Offering "real" materials, pots and pans, dishes, and the like, fosters a sense of home, and a respectful appreciation of caring for things.
Placing computers side by side invites the possibility of collaboration. The nursing rocker, a reminder to me of my own children, makes a great story reading chair.
Art Studio
Our art studio is set off by a wall of mirrored tile - this helps to reflect colour, light, and transparency back into the room. Baskets are used as much as possible to bring in a natural element.
Art
cards
A simple collection of framed art cards offers an invitation to come and paint.
Pot Rack
These copper pots were my mother's, so they also provide a sense of family for me, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and culturally relevant.
Dress ups
Our dress-up collection is made up of open-ended materials (fabric, tablecloths, scarves) that can be used in a variety of ways.
Driftwood
The addition of driftwood logs to our construction area offers one more medium to work with, and lends a natural element to the environment.
Fountain
This lovely little fountain provides the sound of trickling water, a soothing element.
TiffanyLlamp
The children are drawn to this lovely tiffany-style lamp that sits on my desk - and reminds me that young children do have an appreciation for the aesthetic.
Mobile
Incorporating more natural elements into the environment. From time to time, this beautiful piece of wood becomes a place to hang mobiles from.
Quiet Place
A quiet place
to come and draw. Using small table lamps provides the
possibility of working with subdued lighting.