This week I had a moment of great discovery. It was actually my child who asked, in the library, “Do they have any arts and crafts books?” We were completely thrilled to find a whole shelf devoted to the subject. As we found our books I realised the impact Julia (my boss) has had on me. The joy I find in creating all these artworks is a quality that she has passed on to me, as well as my son. At Field and Study Montessori Preschool, Nursery School and Playgroup, we pride ourselves in an incredible art program. We are able to turn a scribble into a masterpiece.
This is my third year teaching at the school and I have written other posts about it before. I’ve written about the Montessori Method, which has the most amazing concrete materials to explain concepts and build independence, concentration and all sorts of other skills. I’ve written about how it is set in a park, which for me is a real treasure. I love the nature walks so much. They clear the mind and restore the soul.
But I haven’t written about the arts and crafts before. And I think I would be remiss not to. Because there is so much I have learnt from Julia, but probably most of all is her dedication to her craft.
I mean, did you know, that after we managed to get the salt dough right and coax all the kids to make handprints for end of year gifts that she sat up till 2am painting and drawing flowers around them?
How she spent her August holidays creating these amazing spring flowers with paper plates? Nicky absolutely loved them and all the kids had fun painting them different colours. We did them again during our holiday program and the kids just adored them. They also had fun spooning the sand into the bottles of to keep the flower up.
Our whole holiday program is devoted to arts and crafts and every day the child will take something hope that they have created. During this holiday program we have made everything from paper planes to nature mobiles.
Did you know we even create with our food? The Hippo class (older group 3-5) do food sculptures on a Friday with fruit to cultivate a love of healthy food.
Many of our artistic endeavours land up on our blog Children’s Kickstart, where you can also find parenting, educational and inspirational posts.
So, when you come to our open day on either 30 Nov or 1 December, yes, we’ll have an arts and crafts activity for the kids. Because that’s what we do. Among other things…
Julia will also be giving an informative talk on the education at the school and attendees will also receive a free copy of best selling cookbook Savy Kid’s Menus donated by McNab’s.
If you stay in the Sandton area, particularly around Parkmore, Morningside, Hurlingham, River Club, Bryanston, Sandhurst or Hyde Park, and are looking for a Preschool or Playschool for your little one, pop on over to the Open Day. Or if you know anyone looking in the area, share this post.
Open Day Details:
Date and Time:
Friday 30 November 2018: 9:30-11:30am
Saturday 1 December 2018: 10am – 12pm
Address: Field and Study Montessori Preschool and Playschool
45 Louise Ave
Field and Study Park
Parkmore
Sandton
Check out the Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest.
Leave a Reply