Creative Wellbeing for kids
Children’s Art and Wellbeing classes in Bayside, Melbourne
Smiling heart studio offers children’s art classes with a difference. Blending the fun, playful and therapeutic qualities of making art with strategies to boost resilience, happiness, and wellbeing.
The Art of Wellbeing
After school art classes for children aged 6-12
Our classes offer children the opportunity to develop their creativity and explore their love of art through paint, clay, collage, craft, and recycled materials. Classes are designed to encourage curiosity and connection to both the child’s inner and outer worlds.
Making art can be an effective mindfulness activity, supporting children to find inner calm, develop self-awareness, connect to the present moment, and nurture their capacity to find flow.
Exploring the natural world through art and creativity enhances a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty that surrounds us, inspiring a deep respect for our environment.
We create art that is underpinned by these powerful practices, introducing children in a fun and gentle way to knowledge of how to live a happy, creative, balanced life, connected to themselves, their world and each other.
Details:
Start date: Term 4 begins Monday 14th October 2024
Cost: $260 for an 8-week term
Location: Our Sandringham Studio - 6/231 Bay Road
To enroll: Call Julia on 0423 972 433 or enquire below
Places are limited. Please book early to secure a spot.
6-9 years:
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs: 4.00 -5.15pm
Saturday: 10.00–11.15am
9-12 years:
Tuesday 5.30-6.45pm
Saturday: 11.30-12.45pm
12-16 years:
Thursday 5.30-6.45pm
Wellbeing Aims
Calm the mind and grow appreciation for small everyday wonders with mindfulness
Build contentment and a sense of satisfaction in life with gratitude
Know and grow our unique strengths and recognise how we all make a difference in the world
Develop a positive mindset towards life’s challenges
Grow our capacity for happiness by cultivating kindness to self and others
Sow the seeds of long-term wellbeing by nourishing friendships and nurturing positive relationships
Develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in our achievements
The benefits of art
Enhance creative problem solving – Develop the ability to solve challenges and come up with new ways to handle the unexpected.
Communication skills – Go beyond the verbal to communicate feelings and emotions that may not otherwise be expressed.
Foster creativity and self-expression - Build the capacity to be freethinking and experimental across all areas of life.
Enhance self-esteem and confidence through mastery of art materials.
School holiday workshops
Meet Our Teacher
Julia studied art in London and has a BA(hons) in Public Art and Design. She undertook her graduate studies in Creative Art Therapy after emigrating to Australia. She is a trained Yoga Teacher for both adults and children and has worked extensively teaching yoga and mindfulness in schools. She has additional studies in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing and is currently training to be a Counsellor.
Julia has experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She’s worked with children in therapeutic residential care, taught in both primary and secondary schools, and is a proud parent to two teenagers. She also has several years’ experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Julia is committed to make a difference to the lives of young people. She is excited about the potential of blending the creative arts with the science of wellbeing, empowering children to take charge of their own happiness and to live full, rich, thriving lives.
At Smiling Heart Studio we value the power of art as a process; it’s not all about the finished product – the creative act of exploring, experimenting, and expressing are where the real magic in art can be found
Follow our journey @smilingheart.studio
