While working with the natural materials in the Atelier, Julien and Sol began discussing a robot that they called “The City Smasher.” They began describing the many elements that made up this incredible robot and its immense power which Sol and Julien agreed made it strong enough “to destroy the world”.
I suggested that they work together to construct the robot using the natural materials.
Sol: We don’t have the right parts!
Teacher Jess: What would we need to build the robot?
Sol: Well, it has laser beams that shoot hot lava.
Julien: And it needs a battery for power.
Sol: Yeah. And there are motors in the body which connect to other motors. It’s super more powerful. I can draw it.
Teacher Jess: You and Julien could make a blueprint.
The City Smasher’s design came together quickly.
As they worked to draw the shapes and details, they described the function of each element.
Julien: And the City Smasher has a booby trap!
Teacher Jess: How does the booby trap work?
Sol: Just wait. He has to finish making it and then you will see how it works. He’s drawing how it works.
Sol and I watched quietly and closely while Julien completed his drawing of the trap. He then described the mechanics and function of the design, referencing the drawing as a visual blueprint.
Carlina Rinaldi writes in “In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia” saying, “As children represent their mental images to others, they represent them to themselves, developing a more conscious vision.” Julien utilized the language of drawing to illustrate and explain the mechanics of the booby trap to Sol and me and, in many ways, to himself. His drawing supported his verbal articulation. Sol, with his practiced understanding of this language, reminded me of the importance of waiting, confident that Julien’s pen would provide clarity. -Teacher Jess