Art in a bag or art in a story, are both wonderful ways of Storytelling for young children. Story telling is a great way of stretching a child’s imagination and their learning development. Story sessions with art are a great way to influence both socio-emotional development and cognitive skills.
Artwithlittlepics storytelling workshops for young children will give them an opportunity to learn new creative and artistic skills which will encourage them to express themselves. The activities will be designed to help the children build confidence and give the children skill’s which they will be able to use in their daily learning journeys, including homework and free time.
Each storytelling workshops will help the children’s mental health and wellbeing, as art and creativity supports relaxation, as well as helping children express their thoughts and emotions, expanding their understanding of the world.
Using art to tell a story will encourage children who are struggling with written text and reading, as this requires imagination from the words and the pictures on a page. The artwork will allow the child to understand the story and explore the characters and scenes in different ways. These art workshop for reception, year 1 & 2 will follow the new National curriculum. Ensuring the children fulfil as many key stage requirements for both art and design but also many other parts of the curriculum, touching on history, science, music and English.
• Each session will start with a story.
• At the beginning of each session, the children will have time to listen and understand the art activity.
• At the beginning of each project, the children will be able to discuss and compare ideas.
• The art project will use a range of materials and techniques.
• The children will have the opportunity to draw (pencil holding) colour in (exploring and learning colours), paint (using brushes) and sculpture (touch and feel).
• Sing songs, dance and learn rhymes.
• At the end of the art activity the children will be encouraged to tidy up their areas.
• Before the class is finished the children will have time to reflect and enjoy their work.
Example of the weeks and skills gained or improved:
Week 1: Exploring mixed media, to cut (scissors) and stick. Week 2: Exploring patterns, fine motor skills and listening Week 3: Exploring textures, exploring a range of products Week 4: Exploring lines and marking making, problems solving Week 5: Exploring textiles, different practice and disciplines Week 6: Exploring shapes, descriptive words and describing
Each art session the children will have created a wonderful piece of artwork they will be able to take home. This will encourage confidence and home discussion.
• Throughout the weeks the children will be able to create a collaborative piece, which in the final session they will be able to enjoy in small groups.
• During the art sessions, the children will be able to show and tell their work, giving them the opportunity to speak out loud to their peers, helping them develop languages and listening skills.
• The children will be able to work in pairs, helping them with their social skills and personal development, encouraging new friendships, building relationship and social skills
• They will have the opportunity to take photographs of their artwork using a digital camera. This will introduce to basic technology and computer skills throughout the sessions. The photographs of their artwork will then be used for my social media and learning materials and for school to use for the sunflower newsletter. The teacher will also be able to use the photographs for the children’s learning journals.
Closer to the time of the workshop I would come and discuss with the class teachers and key workers which story would suit the curriculum best. For example, Science – Plants and sessions, Geography – Places and locational knowledge, History – Lives of significant individuals. I would also take the opportunity to discuss any children who would need extra support and if some children would need more challenging activities.
@Artwithlittlepics currently runs the after-school art club, which has been a great success for the past few terms and is fully booked in advance.
A few of my Current parent testimonials:
• These art classes have been an inspiration for my daughter. Learning about different famous artists and their work. Ava now prefers to go off into her bedroom and draw rather than have screen time!
• This is a really special art class that gives a great grounding in art history as well as practical approaches that inspire the creation of really achieved and beautiful work. I’ve loved seeing what William and Ned have created each week and they are rightly proud of what they have created
• I like the way the class is structured so that the kids are introduced to a different artist each time and get to finish a piece of art at the end of each lesson. It’s always fresh and gives them a great sense of achievement. They’re introduced to different art mediums and learn about mixing colours and texturing, which is great from such a young age.
• It’s more than art… Celia manages to pass such creative energy to kids…this class goes beyond knowledge and technique…she has the gift of tranquillity and my children definitely benefited from her classes.
• Art Club has been such a fantastic way for my daughter to explore her creative side! In an environment that educates, experiments and pushes her understanding of art, art history, different mediums, having sensory fun and also the discipline to focus and finish her works of art.
Personal account from a current year 1 teacher at Southfield Primary School – Miss Gilby: I have worked for artwithlittlepics during holiday workshops. I have also witnessed many after school art classes. I have received lots of positive feedback from parents from my year 1 children about Miss Celia and her art club. The children need more exposure and opportunities to express themselves in a structured art environment, artwithlittlepics art workshops give structured, supportive and encouraging art experiences for children so they are able to make mistakes but not be disheartened by the challenging techniques. Miss Celia uses a trial and error approach to her class, making sure that each child feels happy through the classes. Miss Celia’s teaching is innovative and built on research. Her classes and workshops are up to date with new teaching, child understanding and the art world. The children respond well to Miss Celia as she is already a well-known member of the Southfield area community.
@artwithlittlepics is available on Friday’s to come into school to run 6 weeks courses and One off specialist classes in Primary Schools for year 1 – 6.
