Programs

Folk Art

For youth and adults with physical, developmental and sensory challenges.

 

Summary:
The international focus in “thinking green”, coupled with being economically creative has given rise to a tradition long abandoned in many households: the making and using of folk art as both individual expression and handmade gift giving.

Directing this focus as an art/craft making process in a therapeutic context can provide students challenged with a spectrum of developmental, sensory and emotional challenges with

1. a meaningful opportunity for fine motor development
2. structure for self regulation
3. developing a positive group membership
4. sense of achievement in the accomplishment of a finished product seen as skillful, useful and functional
5. Invites conversation from others regarding the process and materials used to create the “applied art” product

Sample Session:

1. Learn how to use an adult knitting machine: crank handle, tubular frame
2. depending on the focus of the student the following pieces of textile/products  can be accomplished
3. Knitted fabric transformed into a winter cuff
4. Knitted fabric transformed into head band
5. Several pieces of knitted fabric rounds made into a funky scarf

Process: (pre-art)
Students are invited to participate in “brain gym” exercises to ready their body and minds to the session

1. Body noticing exercise
2. Experiencing personal space dynamic
3. Tai chi breath exercise

Structure of art session:

1. Students view sample finished products; are able to touch, feel and experience the object, invited to “try on” samples and choose colour, texture, weight  for their own project of the day.
2. Introduce and reinforce throughout session the vocabulary for sensor motor experience.
3. students become familiar with sensing the holding, pressure, feedback of equipment etc.
4. staff assist with the beginning row of chosen wool with the student taking over the movement. Note: hand over hand may be required for some students.
5. after a predetermined length the wool tube is taken off the machine and fashioned into a shape.
6. the student can then add decorative buttons, sequins, fabric fringe, fabric flowers, pom-poms  for an individualized expression.

Return to Brain Gym exercises
Acknowledge the creative process of each student
Goodbyes

 

Adaptations:
When students have been assessed for fine motor skills and able to use scissors/rotary cutter safely  to cut a range of materials, they are encouraged to use the equipment at a more advance level with staff supervision.

Otherwise, every week a kit is provided with precut materials. The student is then able to choose and proceed at their own skill level with encouragement to focus and increase their proficiency in the identified skill. 

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Thumb Prints Studio

This program is based in Scarborough, Ontario, and concentrates on providing handicrafts, beading projects, cooking , movement and spa related activities.  In addition, Indian head massage is included with permission of the parent. This method of massage tends to relax the student and prepare them for work on deep breathing techniques. It also is a way for students to begin to feel and identify sensations in their bodies for personal growth and development. 
This is not a full time program and is offered one day a week for students, so as to compliment an already existing program, volunteer placement and/or personal schedule. Most parents are now convinced having multiple experiences in programming assists community integration  and provides for the meeting and developing of a broader network for new friendships.  

 

Time: 9:30am-3pm (flexible)
Number of Students: 2 per session

Please contact Susana at 416-438-2943

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Workshops for Parents and/or support workers

Ongoing workshops are provided to introduce what creative programming is; the teaching methods employed; and how this can add value to your son or daughter’s individualized plan for successful community integration