Making learning visible

Oac Fairlight Children's Art Show Reflections

I am inspired to share my reflections after attending the annual art show at Only About Children, Fairlight, an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service close to my heart, where I spent many years as Assistant Director and Preschool Teacher.

I visited my old workplace where the team of educators had put on an annual Art Show and it was so much more than children's art work on the walls! The dedicated team of educators showcased the children's learning across all developmental areas and curriculum thoughtfully and respectfully in a multi-sensory way with light, colour, music and soundscapes along with interactive exhibits for the little ones to explore with their families! It was a true celebration of the children’s learning and of how they spend their time at their ‘home away from home’. 

The Art Show was very well attended by the children, their extended families and the local community and seeing the children so proud to share what is important to them was not only heartwarming but will have a big impact on the children’s self-esteem and development.

The aspect that I loved is that the educators took the time to explain the process and the reasons behind the children's artwork, some pieces even had links to QR codes containing videos of the learning projects being created. This process of families getting to see the ‘learning in action’ is so often missed and skipped over in the learning cycle and this was an awesome opportunity to stop and celebrate where the children are at right now, emphasising the importance of creativity in the learning process.

I felt that it really embodied the Reggio Emilia approach making the learning process visible. Rather than pieces of art created to display for families to see it was a thoughtful display of the children's learning and creativity in all aspects of their daily lives, their learning projects throughout the year, their relationships, thoughts and interests.

Thank you and Congratulations Oac Fairlight, you guys rock! I’m sure that many others will be inspired by your dedication to sharing children’s learning so respectfully.