The Art Room Newcastle

Children DO NOT need to know how to read or write before school. In fact many kindergarten teachers will advise against that. It is a common misconception amongst parents that teaching their children to read and write before school will set their child up for success. But guess what? Most children just plato and wait for the others to catch up and become bored and frustrated ! This is a bad thing.

Through art, early years educators and parents l can embed early literacy development for preschoolers setting the path for successful school transitions. At 3 yrs of age it is rare a child can read or write - art is one of the first of many languages that supports self expression in the early years.

This image is a 4yo developing their ‘writing language’ through constant daily drawing with little instruction they are building confidence and will pick up letters with ease come school time. They just need a good quality felt tip pen ( the marks are stronger,making a child feel in-control) and paper! Or anything! A cereal box or cardboard works wonders.

When children source their own natural materials for art, it provides opportunities for children to be more involved in the process of creation.

In doing this, children become more committed, inspired and in control of their own personal desired outcomes. Art in the early years (or any years really) should not be overly prescriptive.

Who wants all art and colour pallets to look the same? Children are individuals. So is their art. As an educator it is your duty to guide, assist but never control.

Art is not Math. There is not one correct answer.

When I first began exploring arts in early childhood I was at first skeptical at how much I could do with this age group. Little did I know this age group can reach realms beyond comprehension and hold an open mindset to all types of art we seem to lose more with age.

AND I learnt through art you can embed everything for this age! Literacy, numeracy, cultural and subcultural appreciation, sustainability, community and more. Their works are mind blowing and nothing will set a child up better for successful school transitions than art. At 3 yrs it’s rare they can read or write - art is one of the first of many languages that supports self expression in the early years.

Expose them young. This image of of an excursion to to practice real life art experiences within a child’s community. Featured art is by artist OLIVIA PARSONAGE

NEW SCHOOL HOLIDAY PAINTING SHORT COURSE AT BLACKSTONE GALLERY THIS WINTER TERM BREAK.
(Ages 7-13)

Over two afternoons, students will learn the methods and techniques used in acrylic painting such as form and shape, light and shade, tonal values and brush application before using these skills to create individual still life works on canvases.

ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED. Spaces limited.

COST $110 OR Creative Kids Voucher + $10

BOOK HERE:

https://events.eventzilla.net/e/school-holidays-painting-short-course-2138807943

Alternatively, please email [email protected] with creative kids voucher, your childs full name as listed on their medicare card and D.O.B .The remaining balance of $10 can be paid on the day or invoiced.

DATES: Thursday the 8th of July
Friday the 9th of July

TIME: 1pm-3:30pm on each day

INCLUDED:

Paints

Brushes

Canvas

References



Please bring an apron or a shirt that won't mind getting splattered on

Watercolouring forests. Beautiful work by Scarlett this afternoon at

This is just great 👍

Our head teacher . Keen to do some street art next term kids ?

Tuesday's have two spots left! Leave the mess and the famous to us :)

Term 3 begins July 28th! Can you believe some of our students work? Actually all of our students work. We just couldn't fit so much talent on one poster 🤩

Despite not been able to run classes at the gallery this term, we had a blast running our after school art classes online! We are heading in to our last week and a big shout out to all the parents and children that came along for the ride! We got some rocking outcomes. Most importantly but, we feel and saw it was healthy for students to remain connnected to each other and keep their practice up. Art is not only an awesome skill to develop, but a great therapy for people of all ages.

We are now taking bookings for our afterschool art classes in TERM 3 for primary aged students . These lessons will recommence at Blackstone Gallery Newcastle with classes limited to nine students per session OR you can book in to our online groups which will run again next term. We are a creative kids provider 😁.

For more information please contact [email protected] . Time tables will be posted soon !