I have always enjoyed art and craft work and I have worked with a wide age range for many years. I have always found the way they learn to be interesting and fascinating. I have worked with children in a school setting and also for leisure activities so I feel my involvement and experience is wide ranging. My work is not only limited to children I also have knowledge and skills to work with specialist groups such as adults with learning disabilities. This has made me aware that there are barriers to how people can learn and consequently I have learnt to adapt my lesson/activities to meet the needs of the individual.

My background is in art, I completed an art degree specialising in illustration at Derby University. This has given me knowledge and techniques/skills which I can facilitate to others. I take my continual professional development very seriously and I have therefore attended informal and formal training days and courses post qualification. These include courses in first aid, life drawing skills, tailoring, printmaking techniques and puppetry. This has encouraged me to develop a wide range of activities and lesson plans. I have and continue to attend several formal and informal training days as part of my CPD.

The following is a case study from a previous student who attended weekly one to one sessions. During 4 years we worked on different craft projects usually initiated by the student herself. I have worked around their limited fine motor skills and as their confidence has grown  hand muscles strengthened and with my encouragement is now able to pick up smaller objects such as beads because their dexterity has greatly improved. This is important to them socially and I developed a strong rapport with them, which has added an extra dimension to their everyday life. This experience has taught me to consider how everyone has different abilities and a well-planned lesson has to take account of individual capabilities. Pictured below are examples of projects developed over time many were given as gifts.

 

I believe in preparation and always like to have examples of my own work to inspire my students. As a dyslexic I believe it is important to engage learners through all the senses. My exemplars are a visual way to draw children into the activity to inspire them with ideas. I am passionate about creativity and I am always inventing new ideas for drawing games which serve as great icebreakers or warm up activities during lessons.

 

Art classes for children include topics on traditional art techniques, painting, colour mixing, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. I believe it is important to learn the foundations of art. Craft and freedom to be creative is also highly important so craft activities are often used.

I am excited to begin art classes in my studio in banks mill. After running regular art clubs in Birmingham and then again for two years when I moved to derby the 2 year break since having my baby has felt too long.