What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy sessions focus on inner experience - one's feelings, perceptions, and imagination. While art therapy may involve learning art
 techniques, the emphasis is on developing and expressing images that come from inside the child, rather than those he or she sees in the
outside world. Generally, traditional art classes may ask a child to paint or draw one's imagination; in art therapy, client's inner world of
images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas are
always of primaryimportance to the experience.

The goals / objectives of the art program for children age 3-10 years are as follows:                                              

• To encourage positive self-esteem, independence and individuality
• To aid in the ability to express and label emotions
• To facilitate the development of appropriate coping skills and leisure activities  
• Develop fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination
• Increase ability to problem solve and make decisions
• Provide opportunities for social interaction with peers and instructors

Overview of Art Therapy

Throughout our 10 week Program we will be working with the children on the following each week (you'll find our weekly activity in RED :
 

---

WEEK 1 Colours: An overview of primary and secondary colours, mixing and tinting. FINGER PAINTING

WEEK 2 Print Making: We will talk about prints, mirror images and stamping. We will demonstrate these techniques by putting paint on part of the paper, folding it in half and unfolding it to see the abstract art! POTATO/SPONGE STAMPING

WEEK 3 Photography (1): We will discuss common photography tips and tricks – including discussion surrounding properly holding a camera, backgrounds, zooming in/out and focusing on an object. PHOTOGRAPHER'S WALK

WEEK 4 Photography (2): Children will get a chance to review photos taken in the previous session. POPSICLE STICK FRAMES

WEEK 5      Music and Movement : We will review a variety of instruments and even experiment with a few! Children can expect lots of singing and dancing! NOISE MAKERS / RAIN STICKS

  
 

---

WEEK 6 Drama:We will discuss the difference between theatre and film.  Imaginative play is encouraged! POPSICLE STICK PUPPETS

WEEK 7 Sculpture (1) : Children will begin lesson with an overview of characteristics of a sculpture, types of sculptures and famous sculptures. PAPER MACHÉ MASKS

WEEK 8 Sculpture (2) :Short walk to find sculptures in our community. PAPER MACHÉ MASKS

WEEK 9 Recycled Art :Brief overview of recycling – what is it? What can be recycled?  We will teach the need for recycling- not only for a healthier environment, but for art! MILK CARTON PEN POTS

WEEK 10 Drawing : Children will be exposed to and allowed to experiment with a variety of different methods and tools used for drawing. MULTI-MEDIUM DRAWING

 

Next Sessions