The local thrift store in my neighborhood organizes their
articles of clothing by type and by COLOR. This method of
categorization is what excites my senses and motivates me to
search, touch and discover great finds. But this is not the
first time I have seen this done, for it is an imperative
attribute of the display of materials at the infant and toddler
schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. I had the opportunity to
experience being in their classrooms and have learned that the
Reggio approach believes that the learning environment is the
third teacher and the organization of materials plays a crucial
part in engaging students in art making. To learn more about the
Reggio approach to teaching, click here. To promote self-
service, the materials in my art studio are always available to
students and on display on the counter tops. Markers, colored
pencils, oil pastels and water color pencils are organized by
hue and temperature. Students use trays to collect their color
choices as well as scissors and glue at their