children's studio for visual art

Nora Tokunaga

 

After working in childcare in New Zealand and Australia for 10 years as qualified ECE teacher I began to yearn for the freedom to offer children a wider variety of art materials and let them create and explore freely without adult agenda, routines, or fixed required outcomes to satisfy a need for a finished product for children to feel sucessful.

 

I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach of the 100 languages of children, Te Whariki the NZ Curriculum for ECE, children making meaning through the arts, nature in all its forms, artists of all ages, the environment as the third teacher and the RIE approach to childcare.

 

I hold a Diploma in Textile Design from the Schule für Gestaltung Basel, Switzerland, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching ECE from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, a current first aid certificate, and a current working with children check.

 

When Im not busy at the studio I work as a casual teacher in childcare centres in the area, walk on the beach, play with my daughter, paint, sew, create and craft, read, do yoga, look after the garden or cook.

 

I am passionate about ECE and children's right to a playful childhood, surrounded by an abundance of art and nature.

 

One of my best memories from when I grew up in Switzerland is of the art studio I was allowed to attend once a week. Where paint was freely available and the paper could be as big as I liked. Where messiness and independent exploration were encouraged and success didn't depend on a perfect outcome.

 

It is a dream come true to be able to offer this experience to the children in the area through the children's studio for visual art.