Clare and Arty’s Creation Station Journey

Following Clare and her 2-year-old son called Arty’s experience of Creation Station classes. To read Clare and Arty’s first and second week at their Creation Station Classes- click here and to find out how they get on in future classes follow our blog.

Week 5 Little Explorer Classes: 

“Arty was on holiday this week and so we missed ‘Creation Station’ today.”

Week 6 Little Explorer Classes:

“Final week and sadly we were unable to attend due
to ill health. Arty was so poorly and I had so wanted him to go but in the end he just wasn’t well enough and I didn’t want to give his germs to the other children. This was our last session of the 6 week block, but we will be
definitely attending more sessions when the new term starts.”

                 

Summary

As a family, we’ve really had a great experience so far at Creation Station. We really enjoy being around Helen as she is such an easy, relaxed person to get along with and always has a smile for everyone. Arty is a really energetic two year old. Whilst the other children were happy to sit and do some art activities, Arty enjoyed them for a short time and then would be looking to run around and we often had to keep bringing him back to the art, but once focused and concentrating on something, he would be fine. Even for energetic and restless children like Arty, there was still much to glean from the experience and he would always finish something and be very proud to bring it home. He has 4 pieces of Creation Station art around his room and he loves it. We often see Helen around town at events and promoting Creation Station in some way or
another and we pop over and do some art and say hello. I think she is a face of the ‘promotion of creativity in children’ in Haverhill now, and that’s so nice. We do still go to some sessions and enjoy it. I think Arty gets so much out of it developmentally, his fine and gross motor hand and eye co-ordination, maths with colours and shapes, literacy – paintbrush strokes and language and communication, listening to the music. The emotional benefits are tremendous as he gets complete autonomy to express himself through the medium of art and creativity, he gets a sense of self-worth and pride in his accomplishments and of course, he benefits socially, by interacting with Helen, the other children and other parents.

I would like to say thank you so much for the gift of Creation Station. I’m so glad it’s come to our town and I can see it being a big part of children’s events and on the clubs timetable for many parents and little artists alike. I hope you like the blog and photos, all that’s left to say is thank you and best of luck for Creation Station!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Love from,

Clare, Arty, Poppy (who has done art activities with Helen at town events) and sometimes daddy!) 🙂 x

Classes are designed to help inspire your little one through journeys of exploration discovery and development.

Creation station has the following classes and events available:

If you would like to come along and enjoy the fun with your little one pop your details below and we’ll let you know the details of local classes and events.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Submit

Δ

Follow our blog for more exciting activity ideas to do at home to help inspire your child. For local award winning classes, parties and events visit your local creation station for hands-on inspirational classes.

Follow and like our Facebook or Twitter Page We hope you find this helpful.

Clare and Arty’s Creation Station Experience- Week 3 and 4

Following Clare and her 2-year-old son called Arty’s experience of Creation Station classes. To read Clare and Arty’s first and second week at their Creation Station Classes- click here and to find out how they get on in future classes follow our blog.

Week 3 Little Explorer Classes: 

“Arty discovered the colour yellow this week. So sunny and bright! Everything was yellow, shapes, paint, bricks, balls, lots of different textures and interesting toys and other things to use in making a wonderful ‘creation’. Arty was a little bit hyperactive this morning. He enjoyed doing some painting and then he enjoyed running around the room much to my horror, but Helen was great, she put me at ease and told me that it’s okay, he’s just being a little boy and lots of children are like this. Not a problem at all. Phew! We painted our feet and made sunflowers. It was a lovely session and even though Arty was on the move a lot during this one, he still got lots out of the art on offer :)”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 4 Little Explorer Classes: 

“This week, Arty was a lot more settled and eager to see what was in Helen’s box. He sat with the others and did the ‘Creation Station’ song with Helen and he did all the actions as well. Love the use of words like ‘creation, station, imagination and develops’ in the song. It sets the mood and lets the children know that it’s time to settle in and get ‘creating’ for the next hour. Then, of course the familiar Creation Station CD is played and this always sets a lovely tone for
the whole session ahead. Right, down to business and today’s theme is the colour… Blue! Arty is excited. He sits straight down in his little red overalls and gets to work, smearing large splodges of blue paint all over a huge piece of wallpaper. He rolls blue balls through the paint and he paints blocks with letters of the alphabet raised on them, then prints them onto the paper and we say each letter as he does it and encourage him to have a go too. Helen tells us to ask him what colour the sky is, what colour the sea is and then we start to make ‘sea’ and watery scenes onto smaller pieces of paper for what will be our aquatic picture scene. Arty is given tissue paper and we roll it into little balls and use PVA glue to stick them onto the paper as well. We cut little pieces of coloured paper, triangles, circles and then we also stick them onto the picture. Arty is encouraged to have a go. He loves cutting and sticking now and he didn’t know how to do this before. He is really keen to try now and is better every week. We went home with a very nice, colourful ocean scene picture. And a very proud two and a half year old. I love how Creation Station encourages parents to get involved and sees the importance of developing parent creative skills and confidence in doing Art with their children. We also, feel a huge sense of pride and building bonds with our children and understanding their individuality and needs.”.

Clare Reeve- Artys proud mummy

Classes are designed to help inspire your little one through journeys of exploration discovery and development.

Creation station has the following classes and events available:

If you would like to come along and enjoy the fun with your little one pop your details below and we’ll let you know the details of local classes and events.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Submit

Δ

Follow our blog for more exciting activity ideas to do at home to help inspire your child. For local award winning classes, parties and events visit your local creation station for hands-on inspirational classes.

Follow and like our Facebook or Twitter Page We hope you find this helpful.

Clare and Arty’s Creation Station Experience – Week 2

Following Clare and her 2-year-old son called Arty’s experience of Creation Station classes. Here’s Clare’s story of their second shared weekly class.

To read Clare and Arty’s first-week click here and to find out how they get on in future classes follow our blog.

Week 2 Little Explorer Classes: 

“We are into week two and Arty is eager to get started! Once again he puts on a red all- in- one messy suit and sits down to see what Helen has in her treasure chest this week. Squares! So we get down to explore making squares with various materials such as tissue paper, paint, maize and lolly sticks.

Helen encourages Arty to print squares using the sides of wooden blocks, we make picture frames using flat sticks (lolly sticks) and Arty paints his feet and hands on paper and we position them inside the frames. A lovely keepsake to take home and put on his wall. In the background there is Imagination Station music, it really makes the room seem rather magical, with a happy, buzzy energy! Again, Helen got down with Arty and encouraged him to take part in everything and was good to anticipate what he might like to explore next, jumping up and grabbing a bottle of blue paint or more lolly sticks. Really generous with materials, there are no boundaries here and imagination is stretched and explored without limits or restraints on anything. Very relaxing environment where our pretty lively toddler can play through art and we can get involved, feeling included and recognised as an important participant in our child’s learning and play. Roll on week 3”.

Clare Reeve- Artys proud mummy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes are designed to help inspire your little one through journeys of exploration discovery and development.

Creation station has the following classes and events available:

 

If you would like to come along and enjoy the fun with your little one pop your details below and we’ll let you know the details of local classes and events.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Submit

Δ

Follow our blog for more exciting activity ideas to do at home to help inspire your child. For local award winning classes, parties and events visit your local creation station for hands-on inspirational classes.

Follow and like our Facebook or Twitter Page We hope you find this helpful.

Clare and Arty’s Creation Station Experience

As parents, we want to know exactly what we are signing up for when it comes to children’s classes and how it can benefit our children. Clare was one of those parents. Clare had won The Creation Station “Why do you think creativity is important?” competition. Her competition entry was the following:

“My son is called Arty  We come from a family of creativity, my hubby’s mum is a music teacher and his dad, a keen artist. Children need art now more than ever, in an age of electronics and gaming. It’s all too easy in our hectic lifestyles to just sit kids in front of tv’s, phones and tablets to be ‘babysat’ whilst parents get on with chores. That’s why it’s fantastic to have discovered #CreationStation, you don’t have to set up activities or plan or get messy at home, plus there are no flashing lights or other electronic distractions! Its been proven that children can benefit so much from art activities, just a little bit every day, or week has been known to help children grow and flourish in so many areas and gain confidence and pride in their achievements. It also helps to calm and soothe those with behavioural difficulties as well as help children who are struggling to cope in a world of SATS and long school/childcare hours, our children are simply not allowed to be children anymore. Exercise and creativity. As crucial to children’s well-being as food and air. And love, of course.  I’ve not been to a session yet but would love MY Arty to try it because he needs something like this in his life and loves to be creative. We’ve been waiting for you… #CreationStation. Bringing children’s ideas and visions to life “ 

The prize was six free sessions at her local Creation Station in Haverhill & Surrounding Areas. Clare then asked if she could share her experience to tell you first hand what it felt like as a mum to go to The Creation Station Classes:

Week 1 of the Little Explorer Classes:

I have to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into our first ‘Creation Station’ session. My 2 and a half-year-old is very lively and I wasn’t sure if the group would be for him, even though I desperately wanted him to do some art and crafts as I believe it’s good for nurturing and developing a happy and wholesome little human being! I needn’t have worried however. Helen, the group leader is so lovely and friendly and immediately put us at ease. My son, Arty, got into his special red splashproof all in one, (there are many sizes available) and he got down to business straight away. Helen got the children’s interest by asking them to sit with her and guess what is inside a big, Creation Station treasure chest. Then she reveals that week’s theme. This week, it’s circles.

Arty was able to use various media to learn about circles and he painted and printed on a large sheet of paper that covered the middle of the floor! So much space and paper to go wild on, lots of different coloured paint and circles made from paper and card and circles to print with, whilst I didn’t have to worry about paint on his clothes or on my furniture or floor! Hoorah! I think I enjoyed taking part and having this special creative time with him as much as he did.

Helen encouraged the parents to speak to their child whilst they were taking part in the activities and it really made such a difference. Big plus points for that!

After painting his feet and hands and half of his face, Arty’s work here was done and we went over to stand in a basin of water and take his overalls off. The paint washed off easily and then we went over to the next task on the table. There is always a large painting activity on the floor, followed by a second activity at a table. This week the children made paper plate friends (making faces on paper plates, with pipe cleaner ‘arms’ and ‘legs’ threaded through holes, plus an extra one for hanging).

Arty was very proud of all his ‘work’ today and we went away with a sense of satisfaction and happiness. Looking forward to week 2.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Submit

Δ

Follow our blog for more exciting activity ideas to do at home to help inspire your child. For local award-winning classes, parties and events visit your local creation station for hands-on inspirational classes.

Follow and like our Facebook page. and Twitter Page We hope you find this helpful.

Unleash your children’s creative side with Hotel Transylvania 2 themed Creation Station classes and nationwide ‘Design a Monster’ competition

The Creation Station are delighted to have teamed up with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to run a creative workshops across the UK.

Parents are being asked to help their kids create a monster inspired by Hotel Transylvania 2 during half-term and post to Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram with the hashtag #MonsterMeHotelT2 along with their children’s ages to win.

The winning design will be chosen by Sony Pictures Animation and drawn by one of their prestigious animation team; the winner will also receive a ‘The Art of Hotel Transylvania 2’ book, signed by the Director. Spot prizes will be awarded every day to the best entry via the hashtag and will be announced on the official Hotel Transylvania 2 Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CheckInToHotelT). The main winner will be selected on Monday 22^nd February.

In addition to the nationwide competition,  Creation Station will be running Hotel Transylvania 2 themed creative classes across the UK during half-term 15^th -21^st February.

The sessions are designed to celebrate the launch of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s monster family box- office hit HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, out now on Digital HD and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and DVD 15^th February.

The fun hands on classes will focus on the theme ‘Love your monster’ and children from the age of 6 months to 11 years will be encouraged to create their own fun creative monsters through a range of art & crafts materials. The different classes will be tailored to suit the age and stage of each child and additional prizes will be awarded for the best in class.

Children can enter the ‘Design a Monster’ competition even if they haven’t been able to attend the workshops, so get creative and share your photos.

Places are limited for these fun hands on workshops so visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk or email hello@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 01395 239700 for details of local venues and more details of how you can get involved. You can also check out The Creation Station’s Facebook Page.

 

It’s not just messy play

by Nicki Smith, Owner and Inspirer at The Creation Station Bath

These days, as parents, we are constantly bombarded with terms like messy play, creative play, heuristic play or sensory play but what’s wrong with plain old play?
As a daily provider of creative play, I actually get a bit narked about others belittling the job I do. I have been doing it for over 3 years (which is a long time in kid years!) and I reckon I know the value of creative play in all its forms.

Children play. It’s what they are good at. It’s what comes naturally to them. Most of us parents know and appreciate that. Sometimes it may feel that the government, LEAs, OFSTED or other institutions like to ignore it but even they would admit (I hope) that children learn best through play in Early Years.

Creativity is the ability to challenge, question and explore. It involves taking risks, playing with ideas, keeping an open mind and making connections where none are obvious – Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood.

Creative play is just one way that young children learn and develop. My personal definition of creative play involves drawing, painting, glueing, cutting, collage, modelling, making but most of all, using their awesome imaginations as a natural starting point.

Okay, that’s quite an adult definition but creativity in early childhood has been proven to bring benefits to the child and help them to gain skills:

• Maths skills – through involvement in arts and crafts, children will gain knowledge and familiarity of shapes, sizes, measuring, sorting and patterns. As they get older, they will begin to include problem-solving skills in their creations: ‘Is this too much paint?’; ‘Will this tool do what I want it to do?’; ‘If I cut this here, will it make the shape I want?’
• Science skills – in art projects, children learn basic science skills: colour mixing; using different textures for different outcomes.
• Physical skills – Creative play develops fine motor skills through cutting, drawing, painting, threading, colouring within the lines. One minute, they may be scribbling, but the next, that pencil is forming letters and numbers. ‘Mark making’ (the PC term for scribbling!) is a milestone for muscle control and hand-eye coordination.
• Emotional and social skills – Art provides the child with an incredible opportunity to express themselves. It is accepted that emotionally healthy children are often those who have an outlet for their emotions and thoughts. Art classes and activities also allow little ones the chance to interact with others and experience group dynamics and the different thoughts and interests of others.

And creative play in babies can be even more important. Playing with materials such as sand, water or paint have been shown to develop thought and creativity in little ones. Encouraging curiosity and exploration is so beneficial for our babes.

The important thing to remember is that no end product is necessary for any age group, in fact the act of exploring and playing is where the learning and development are focused. Who cares what they make as long as they have had fun.

We shouldn’t underestimate how shared creative play strengthens the bond between parent and child. Having fun together creates memories. Allowing your child to explore whilst you are present instils a sense of security in the child to have fun, explore new things. A whole lot of thoughts and theory? True, but I have seen the truth in this too.

I have seen the most shy, socially uncomfortable little boy (who used to try to escape during class!) blossom in confidence and stature as his ideas and imagination were noticed and valued. I have seen little ones living with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities thrive on the chance to join in activities on an equal footing and watched their individual talents soar. I have also noticed with pride as my own children’s imaginations have developed and their skills started to become obvious.

Creative play is accessible to all.

Shush, don’t tell anyone but I really don’t like doing lots of arts and crafts at home with my kids. I struggle enough to keep the house tidy without adding to the chaos. However, creative play doesn’t have to be messy. Creative play is story-telling, music, performance just as much as it is paint, glue, glitter and clay.

Some people are happy to strip their kids off and let them redecorate the bathroom with poster paints. Some people start to convulse at the idea of play-dough. Some people are more creative and inspirational everyday than I have the energy to even think about. Some people need the comfort of arty sessions like Messy Play at Children’s Centres or The Creation Station.

Whatever you choose give your little one’s creativity the wings to soar. It’s not just messy play, you know.

>> You can find out more about Nicki’s classes or your local Creation Station here.

Have you heard our big news?

We are excited to announce the Creation Station are partnering with LEGO® DUPLO® to offer a creative activity to run exclusively in our classes. We are so excited about this.

In the sessions your child will have the chance to explore DUPLO® products and create their own LEGO® DUPLO® themed creations to take home. Each session will be packed full of fun themed activities and ideas to continue the journey of learning, inspiring imaginations and nurturing each child’s creativity.

The LEGO® DUPLO® sessions will run between 28th September – 11th October, contact your local Creation Station for further details.

>> Find your local Creation Station session and join in with our DUPLO fun with your toddler.

>> Can’t wait for the sessions? Download your LEGO DUPLO Activity Sheet and start the fun today.

We would love to hear about the fun you have had with DUPLO please share your stories on our Facebook page.

Teach your child to use scissors

It is sometimes a daunting thought allowing your child to use scissors for the first time, so we have put together some tops tips for helping you to guide your child to safely use scissors and have some fun at the same time.

Looking for a way to control the mess? – How about setting up your cutting activity like this. Fancy a pair of loop scissors or spring scissors to help your child learn how to cut? >>Pop over to our online store. 

The world’s cutest hearts

As Valentines Day is coming up we were thinking what exciting things can you make from hearts?

When you look closely at different objects and animals you can see that they are made up of lots of different shapes. For example a face is made up from lots of shapes including different sized ovals and a triangle.

So we thought the challenge should be to see what we could create from a heart shape –  it turns out if you look close enough lots of things can be made from hearts. It may be that you don’t need the whole heart to build up all the features, for example half a heart makes a great ear or leg.

Here are some of our favourites. How many hearts can you find in each picture?

To make your own heart creatures you will need:

• Coloured Paper
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Glue

Can you make a Caterpillar or a Ladybird from hearts? What other things could you create from the heart shape? We would love to see your creations?

Post the picture of your heart creations on our Creation Station Facebook page for the chance to win a fantastic hamper full of creative goodies!

Don’t forget the clocks

Don’t forget the clocks change this weekend!

Download your Clock Activity Sheet