Summit Design Center

Over the past several years, Summit kindergarten teachers have incorporated the Reggio Emilia approach into their classroom teaching. The Reggio Emilia approach is based on Italian preschools where the creative aspect of learning - exploration, discovery, and problem-solving - is emphasized. As children investigate different topics they are encouraged to depict their understanding through many different "languages" like drawing, sculpture, dramatic play and writing. The Design Center grew out of a desire to create an easily accessible space where classes and small groups could come to experience and utilize a variety of creative media.

The Summit Design Center, located on the first floor of the First Grade Building, is used by students in the primary grades. It is equipped with assorted building materials and art supplies. Five iMacs networked to a color printer are used for graphics programs such as Kid Pix Studio Deluxe, Community Construction Kit and One-Stop Funshop.