FAQ

Studio Lab

"Children construct their intelligence and understanding of the world by interacting with materials, people, and ideas."            --Jean Piaget

What is the Studio Lab?

Studio Lab is designed as a place for children to develop, test and document their ideas and theories by using a variety of materials.  The Studio Lab is a program at Walgrove Elementary School, an LAUSD Title I school.

The program strives to create a learning environment that cultivates curiosity, reflection and respect for all ideas. Project work in the Studio Lab builds on students’ prior knowledge and enhances and extends the curriculum.  Studio Lab plays a crucial role in helping the Walgrove staff deliver an enriched standards-based curriculum for all students.

What do students do in the Studio Lab?

Each class will have different experiences during their Studio Lab time depending on the current curriculum focus in their classroom. Studio Lab time is used to expand on the learning that takes place during regular instructional time. There is an emphasis on hands-on experience and actively using materials, including paint, clay, wire, drawing tools, collage and assembling recycled materials, to better understand the concepts within the State Grade Level Standards. During extended projects, students often work in small groups, learning and practicing a variety of skills required for collaboration and collective problem solving.

Is Studio the same thing as visual arts class?

No. The Studio Lab experience provides the possibility for students to experience all manner of hands-on learning.  Students may draw to learn about an object, they may paint, construct with three dimensional materials, or conduct science experiments.
Studio Lab work uses materials and mediums to help make students’ thought processes visible. The Studio Lab encourages students to think about thinking and to learn to express their thinking in many ways.
The Studio Lab Program provides opportunities for the classroom teacher to explore alternative teaching methods that address their class’ whole spectrum of learning styles. Advanced project work, inquiry-based teaching and materials-based teaching are all made possible by the full integration of the Studio Lab Program.

What is the classroom teacher’s role in the studio?

Studio Lab teachers and classroom teachers plan and reflect on studio experiences weekly.  The relationship is crucial.  This team of teachers takes the topics, themes and skills being explored in the classroom and together they create projects and experiences in the Studio Lab that will support and further the students’ learning. Particular attention is paid when the students seem to be struggling with a particular topic area or if children do not seem to be understanding a concept via traditional teaching methods.

What is documentation?

Documentation is the act of recording, through images and words, students’ experiences and on-going projects. It is through documentation that the teachers and students gain insight into the thought processes of the children and create a history of work that leads to further inquiry.  
Documentation helps students and teachers build on prior knowledge and construct together the meaning of their work in the classroom.  It also helps build communication and collaboration within the community at large.

Who funds the Studio Lab?

The Studio teachers and all Studio materials are paid for by Friends of Walgrove.  A designated Studio Room is supported and provided by the Administration.  To contribute to the Studio Lab at Walgrove, please click on the following link:

http://www.friendsofwalgrove.com/page/contribute-to-the-fow-annual

Please note that you would like your contribution to go to Studio Lab. Thank you!!

The Studio Lab wish list can be found through this Sign-Up Genius link:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4AA9AD28A31-studio

How often do students attend the Studio Lab?

Each class is scheduled for 45 minutes -1 and 15 minutes of studio time per week, based on classroom teacher preference.