July 31, 2016 by Megan Schiller

Reggio Inspired Art Secrets

You probably know this by now, but I am a huge fan of the incredible art teacher and blogger, Meri Cherry. I remember discovering her work a couple of years ago when she wrote a post about wood working with toddlers. I immediately felt a kinship and was so excited to find another Reggio inspired art blogger. We eventually got to meet in person over a plate of tacos and we both couldn’t stop blabbering on about Reggio and kids art. We have been friends ever since! Meri has a way of sharing her experience as a teacher that is unlike any other teacher and blogger I know. Her beautiful photos and down-to-earth voice bring you into her world and make you feel like you are being let in on a secret. So it’s no wonder she recently published an e-book called Art Secrets Every Teacher Should Know, A Reggio Inspired Approach.

(I am an affiliate of Meri’s e-book and received a free copy, but all opinions expressed are my own).

When Meri asked me to review her e-book I was thrilled. As a former Reggio inspired preschool teacher, I know how hard it can be to find a balance between planning an extended project and still allowing space for child-led, emergent curriculum. Meri’s book takes you step-by-step through a sample extended art project, while still giving you the tools to follow the children’s lead. She even includes sample conversations and tips on how to talk to children about the process. I wish this book was around when I was a teacher!

Not Just For Teachers

If you’re not a teacher, but are looking for a way to explore art materials with your own kids in an ongoing process, this book is for you! Meri’s instructions are straight forward and teach you how to keep things simple so that your kids can be the ones to “reinvent the wheel”, not you.

“If you keep it simple, you are layering the groundwork for your students to think for themselves, explore new ideas, and ask important questions.” -Meri Cherry

The e-book includes 10 art secrets, 10 projects (that are connected for deeper learning), 10 mini art secrets, and 5 art secrets from other art teachers and bloggers (including me!) as well as a clickable list of Meri’s favorite art supplies. Here is a sample page so you can get a better sense of what it will be like.

Bonus!!

If you don’t already have my e-book, Invitations To Create: 30 days of easy art prompts, I am offering it as a special bonus when you purchase Art Secrets Every Teacher Should Know, A Reggio Inspired Approach through the link below. If you want your bonus guide, just e-mail me once you make your purchase and I’ll send it over to you!

What’s even better, Meri is offering a special discount just for you! Use the coupon code ArtPantry at checkout and you’ll get 35% off.