Session Classes: Consistency is key
Consistency is key, we’ve all heard that one before but honestly, it is SO true. This article from the East End Arts & Humanities Council breaks down all these benefits. While many are familiar with these concepts or facts, it’s such a wonder to see them come to fruition through our weekly art classes. Whether it’s our Mini Makers classes or a Specialty Art class for older school age students, coming once a week consistently has countless benefits.
For session classes, we run the same schedule weekly, typically the same group of kids, in the same location, at the same time, on the same day, and with the same teacher every week. This creates a sense of community and predictability. When we have both of these things, that in turn develops an environment that feels safe and therefore allows participants to create freely. For our littlest artists, we can see the confidence they build weekly just in the way they enter the room, how they take their seat, and how they use the crayons or markers to Free Draw. They often start a bit skeptical and spend time observing before participating but by the second or third class, they jump right into things and can even show the occasional guest adult assistant (like a grandparent) how the class goes. Sometimes it may take longer for them to participate fully but when it does click, it’s such an amazing thing to observe!
For all ages, it is so much fun to watch them create new friendships with the kids in their class. Our older students are always thrilled to meet other like-minded kids who love art or the subject they are learning like they do. At first, they may be a bit shy and focus on whether they are creating in the right or wrong way but once we establish that the goal isn't to make “correct art” but to learn and have fun, they loosen up and the friendships start developing. In our older classes, kids really start to support each other too between feedback, providing ideas, or encouraging each to try something new.
Within each class, we have a structure and routine that kids can expect which lends itself to feeling safe again. We always start with a bright welcome from the teacher and Free Draw set out at their tables. We then either meet for our book reading OR jump into project demos for the older artists followed by the actual artmaking. For any early finishers, chalkboards and Free Draw paper is always available and for our younger artists, we have sensory bins or playdough ready as well. Every minute is intentionally thought out so kids can move at their own pace but also never feel bored. That is our goal anyways!
As we gear up for another AMAZING year of Session Classes, we wanted to highlight how important we know they are. We would absolutely love to see your young artist in a class. Please email us with any questions or join in soon!