Nursery showcases child-led creativity

Macau’s Creche Internacional de São José (CISJ) has launched a new exhibition, “Little Artists, Big Inspirations,” showcasing artworks created by its youngest students, aged one to three.

CISJ director Nair Cardoso told the Times that the nursery is committed to fostering creativity through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach.

This educational philosophy, developed in Italy, promotes diverse forms of expression, encouraging children to communicate through art, movement, and interaction.

The artworks were inspired by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Yayoi Kusama.

Sandra Monteiro, head of CISJ’s Parenting Centre, explained that the children independently created the art currently displayed in the CISJ nursery stairwell, reflecting the Reggio Emilia approach’s emphasis on “child-led learning.”

Monteiro reflected on the creative process, stating. “For the littlest ones in the nursery, we got dots everywhere,” referring to Kusama’s signature style.

Cardoso shared that allowing parents to witness the children’s creative process alongside the final creations has “received lots of positive feedback, engagement, and interest.” She also explained, “When parents pass by, they can see all the artworks that the kids made, together with pictures of the children creating the art.”

Cardoso highlighted the importance of sensory play, which is central to their curriculum and her own doctoral research.

“Sensory experiences are the best way to teach young children, helping them learn across all developmental areas, especially their holistic development.”

The nursery currently serves 168 students across six classrooms, as explained by both the director and head of CISJ’s Parenting Centre.