Workshop 2: "Let's paint and more!" (April 15- May 6)

"Many children enjoy having a go at arts and crafts activities, such as painting. Painting is a skill that takes years to develop. That is why a lot of parents want to enroll their children in painting classes as painting possesses a lot of benefits that can shape the future of a child. The classes are a good way for children to interact and socialize with their peers, through fun activities. It is great for building up social interaction with children and for them to learn about team work, sharing and cooperation. Taking part in painting classes could help boost their confidence in their own abilities. It’s also a wonderful achievement for them to be involved in a group project and they’re likely to feel very pleased with their contribution, however small or large.
Studies have shown that adolescents who are provided ongoing exposure to various forms of artistic expression enjoy marked improvements in motor skills, coordination, concentration, and in other areas. With pre-schoolers in particular, taking part in art and craft activities such as painting can have significant benefits. For example, holding a pencil, crayon or paintbrush in their hands can help with fine-tuning motor skills. It improves their coordination and strength and will have long-lasting benefits, such as helping their ability to write and use a pen as they get older – an eye-hand coordination. An artist develops a highly-tuned sense of coordination between his fingers and the images in his head, just like that of a pianist’s. As he learns to transfer those images to whatever media with which he's working, his eyes and hands begin to work together fluidly. Over time, the precision with which they work becomes second nature.


Painting also boosts creativity among children. A lot of people believe that creativity is somehow genetic. In truth, creativity is developed and encouraged. If done so at an early age, it has a greater likelihood of blossoming. Painting classes support the development of that creativity while giving students the opportunity to express themselves. In addition, it increases concentration. Children seem to focus more effectively when provided the freedom to work according to the artistic vision in their minds. Their devotion teaches them to concentrate in other areas of their lives."

(text extracted from: http://modernmixedmedia.com/painting-classes-offer-a-lifetime-of-benefits)

Workshop 1: "Clay Builders" (March 18- April 8)

Clay is a strong expressive medium and is ideal for enhancing children’s development and holistic learning.
Working with clay improves dexterity and uses both small and large muscles. Little fingers and hands are strengthened whilst working with clay due to its firm nature and the larger muscles of the arms, back and shoulders are strengthened when rolling slabs or wedging clay.
Children’s imaginations are stimulated through the use of clay as they stretch their minds to develop new ideas for things to make and new ways in which to use the clay and tools. This naturally leads into problem solving as children are challenged to overcome the limitations of their materials.
Although children often work on individual projects, clay can also be a very social activity. When appropriate, groups of children with mixed ages and backgrounds are encouraged to work together which helps promote verbal communication skills, confidence and social skills. Children will often help one another out with ideas for projects or suggestions on how something can be made, and being able to show another child how to make something can be particularly rewarding.

The benefits for children of working with clay are obviously many and varied, but above all CLAY IS FUN!!!

These are some pictures of our students creations! They are so creative!