Working with Children in Grades 1 - 3

I hosted a workshop at a local school yesterday as one of the school's winter electives. I hadn't been too clear as to what the ages of my participants were - when I learned that it was a collection of grade 1 - 3 students I had reservations as to how well they would do with the project I had planned.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well they did. I wasn't sure if the "Doodle Dragon" would be too hard or tricky for their little fingers to handle - they did amazing! They totally took up the task of completing the Dragon. They didn't lose interest either. I was encouraged when the children even chose to remain indoors when their "recess" was offered up to them.
Of course things wouldn't have run as smoothly if I didn't have the help of two very lovely ladies, a devoted parent volunteer and the school's French teacher - their help was awesome! Their feed back even more affirming. Madame acknowledged how "focused" the students were. She also felt I was quite organized - which really made my day. (Being organized has been a challenge for me at times) So, it was a good thing to hear from a person with much teaching experience and who knows what it takes to be organized.
I asked the children to suggest projects they would like to make the next time I return - 2 weeks from now - the majority vote was for a butterfly.
Even though I cannot reveal names of the ladies who helped or the school I attended - I just want to offer up my thanks for their delightful enthusiasm for my craft and for helping to make the workshop a real success.
We had time to spare at the end - so the children were also given the opportunity to have story time too - featuring one of my favourite childrens author and illustrator - Barbara Reid. I was glad I brought those books along:)

Welcome!

Welcome to the Pook Designz Blogspot on Blogger!

This is my first ever blog entry - I have posted some blog info on my website: Pookdesignz.com
On the left are some pictures of my bird buddies, (I had some help from the residents of the Woodhaven in Markham, Ontario) - they looked like appropriate company for a blog site - chirping along with me, the blogger.
I have been encouraged by many to make blogging entries as this may offer up personal insight into my business on Etsy - my shop is pookdesignz@etsy.com. I joined Etsy over a year ago but not until this past December did I really try to make a "go" of it - there is such a learning curve with having an internet presence. I am also trying to establish my Pookdesignz business online and locally in my town. So far things are rolling along.
I offer birthday parties, and group workshops for the young and old and those in between. I teach about the art of creating things from polymer clay. I have been making jewelry just for the fun of it - I have sold things off and on over the last 20 years but never put a "full time" effort in to this type of art form. But as one gets older one realizes that if you have some talent in a certain area - one should try to expand upon it - the "urge" to create and add more, to this already fascinating world in which we live could no longer be contained or repressed - I needed to delve into the realm of creating and for me - its using polymer clay and paint.
My interest in actually teaching came about when my mother suggested I host a class at the long-term care centre where she worked - she felt that the residents would enjoy working with the clay. Although many had Alzheimers and other issues, the chance to "smoosh, pound and squish this soft colourful clay has been quite enticing for them. The first 6 classes were well received and I have been offering classes for over 2 years now.
I realized that making jewelry is rather time consuming - at least if you are going to be adding detail of any sort - it truly is a labour of love - I make my jewelry when I get a chance and when I feel inspired to do so (usually after travelling to places I've never been and even after being out at the mall).
The most satisfying thing for me is working with children and seniors - each of these groups bring to the experience a different point of view and the benefits of working with the clay has different meanings to them. However there are similarities, one being, that each couldn't believe they could make something so nice from something that once was just a "block" of colour - (polymer clay comes in uncured 2"squares) - so they are somewhat surprised when, after they have been shown how to mold, shape and put the pieces together, that they were able to fashion an item themselves (even with a little help) and that it turned out as good as it did. Polymer clay is rather forgiving and once my projects are broken down - they find it easy to put them together and the response is always exciting.
Speaking of exciting and maybe intimidating, is this cyber world of the internet - it seems so vast and wide - being that I am not completely familiar with social networking via the net and sharing my business on line. I realize that this is how people are communicating nowadays. I am finding that many intimate communities are being formed online - physical distance doesn't matter so much if there is a meeting of individuals with common interests and who have the desire to share their thoughts and ideas. So, I am up for the challenge and the all the learning that comes with sharing my thoughts, my art and my life with all those who happen to take an interest. I look forward to the dialogue and all the new friends I will meet along the way.

Thank you for stopping by,

Cheers,

Amanda:)