A joyful celebration of creativity, community, and the Hundred Languages of Children at RIS
On May 12, 2025, RIS Ruamrudee International School officially opened its new Early Childhood Atelier, a dedicated space inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and designed to celebrate the “hundred languages of children”—the many ways young learners express, explore, and make meaning.
Located in a serene corner of campus between Thomas Café and the Elementary School building, the opening ceremony brought together students, families, and staff for a joyful and meaningful celebration. Ms. Lei Bernadette Pre, Early Childhood Head of Department and one of the visionaries behind the project, welcomed guests and reflected on the power of collaboration:
“What we created together was so much more than an event—it was a celebration of children’s voices, their creativity, and the power of collaboration,” she shared. “The response from families has been incredible. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make this vision come to life.”
The event began with a special performance of “Mahalo” by Early Childhood students, accompanied by their music teacher, Ms. Baylee Proctor. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Ms. Madeleine Bystrom, Elementary School Principal, and a heartfelt blessing led by Rev. Fr. John Yuthana Sriprapha, C.Ss.R., RIS School Chaplain and Pastor. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Dr. James (Jim) O’Malley, Head of School; Khun Bond Piyapong Siriviriyanun, School Manager; and Ms. Madeleine, joined by student representatives Bubble, Ohm, and Kavin. Ms. Julie West, Pre-K 4-1 teacher, served as emcee, guiding the morning with warmth and poise.
Families then took turns exploring the Atelier and the accompanying 100 Languages Exhibition, which showcased the many ways Pre-K 2–4 students engage with the world through different forms of expression. This included:.
- The Language of Clay – Exploring texture, storytelling, and cultural connection through hands-on tactile experiences.
- The Language of Paper – Folding, cutting, building, and designing, allowing children to make their thinking visible.
- The Language of Collage – Layering natural and found materials to reflect personal choices, emotions, and collaboration.
- The Language of Construction – Designing structures and environments with loose parts, blocks, and recycled objects, sparking curiosity and teamwork.
- The Language of Sound and Music – From wind chimes to jam sessions, children expressed identity and emotion through rhythm, movement, and melody.
- The Language of Paint – A colorful and joyful way to explore emotion, imagination, and mark-making.
Throughout the exhibit, student voices and stories took center stage—revealing not just the beauty of the final creations, but also the depth of the learning process behind them. These explorations nurtured skills across multiple domains, including fine and gross motor development, cognitive growth, social-emotional learning, and early literacy.
Behind the scenes, the Atelier was a labor of love. As Ms. Lei reflected:
“This journey took months of reflection, problem-solving, and hard work—through setbacks, leaks, and long nights—but what remained strong was our shared commitment to something beautiful and meaningful. May the Atelier continue to be a space of wonder, connection, and peace—for the children, their families, and for all of us.”
The grand opening not only marked the unveiling of a new learning space—it celebrated the strength and spirit of the RIS Early Childhood community. With the Atelier now open, students have a dedicated, inspiring environment to explore, create, and grow—one where their stories and expressions are truly honored.
