Workshops for kids

I have created a series of eight art therapy workshops designed to teach children (7 to 11 years) how to navigate emotions effectively using a mindful, art-based practice. 

Explore individual workshops below or if you are a teacher or community organizer looking for a custom workshop please contact me.

 

weight of worry - Workshop Series

This 3 part workshop series is a chance for kids to learn art-based strategies to combat anxiety that can cause one to feel worried.

 Workshops at a glance

No artistic experience is necessary, just a desire to engage in the creative process.

Workshop: Sense of Self

The journey begins with being curious. Kids commence their creative exploration with an introduction to mindfulness and start to build their vocabulary of different emotions.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

 

Workshop 2: Just Be

Learning to be in the moment is key to practicing the art of being present. Kids discover how focusing on the five senses can calm the body, and continue building their mindfulness toolkit, to learn how compassionate self-talk can help in times of distress and discomfort. 

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

Workshop: Felt Sense

Feel the feels, knowing all feelings are valid. Kids learn emotions are neither good nor bad, simply a signal, building the connection between emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

 

Workshop: Flip Your Lid

Quieten the storm before you become angry. Kids investigate triggers associated with strong emotions and learn how the fight, flight, or freeze response acts as the body’s built-in alarm system.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

Workshop:
Throw Kindness

Throw kindness around like confetti. Kids explore kindness as they learn to be flexible perspective-takers who can observe themselves outside the everyday experience, without judgment.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

 

Workshop:
Thought Surfer

Navigate uncomfortable emotions as you would surf on a wave in the ocean. Kids learn to be aware of automatic thinking patterns and begin to build coping mechanisms by learning to see uncomfortable emotional states as temporary.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

Workshop:
Let Go of Control

Acknowledge all emotions as being part of what it means to be human. Kids cultivate acceptance by identifying what they can and cannot control, learning to be self-compassionate rather than judgmental.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

 

Workshop: Just Breathe

Inhale courage, exhale fear. Kids explore how the power of the breath can be used to cope with anxious moments.

Ages: 7-11 | Workshop Length: 2 Hrs

Busy schedule, but interested in workshop content?

The standalone workshops are:

  • To create a well-balanced mind, each lesson includes hands-on activities where the participant learns skills to regulate their emotions

  • A broad range of art materials will be available to promote creative exploration designed to foster a growth mindset.

  • Self-regulation practices are introduced that align with a child's social and emotional development and cognitive capabilities

  • The art-based activities use STEAM components to expand the imagination and provide experiential, teachable moments. 

  • The coursework teaches children to navigate emotions by creatively exploring and learning more about the connection between their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. 

  • Participants create functional art and learn techniques that will help them stay grounded in the present, enabling them to be emotionally competent in the future.

Mental health benefits

  • Self Awareness Icon - Target, with focus on you.

    Self Awareness

    Build mindfulness skills to better understand your authentic self.

  • Social skills icon - Hand to connect to interpersonal skills.

    Social Skills

    Build stronger interpersonal skills by gaining insight into your sense of self.

  • Emotional Regulation Icon - showing balance of emotions.

    Emotional Regulation

    Learn techniques to calm the body and mind to regulate your emotions, to reduce impulsive behavior.

Why register?

Social-emotional competence in childhood acts as a building block to support an individual throughout one's life. Art-based interventions and mindful awareness strategies can help build an adaptive emotional regulation response. 

The overarching goal is to be a catalyst for change, to use art as a medium to enhance the emotional intelligence of the next generation, to make it, CRATE.