WHAT
Putting Art + Design to Work
Picassos @ Play's teachings are rooted in art and design methods to create learning experiences that help children discover their creative potential and apply it to their world. The foundation design methods taught are modeled after Stanford’s d.school aka Stanford Design School.
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Children start at learning the basics of art, meanwhile utilizing art as a form of self expression building confidence over time. Upon establishing the foundations of art, children begin to learn design thinking and layer in the design skills to create innovative outcomes.
HOW
Unleashing Creativity
To inspire creative thinking it starts with allowing kids to be kids, allowing them the time and space to just "be". By allowing them to express their emotions, children will have the creative space for innovative thinking.
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Every solution is a solution. Picassos @ Play give kids ample opportunities to experiment, take creative risks, and fail. There is no right answer. Throughout the sessions collaboration and open dialogue is encouraged.
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Radically student centered. Its important to connect with children with where they are at. By feeling recognized, kids will have more confidence to solve problems. Projects and prompts will be adjusted to reflect the skillset and aptitude of the children.
IMPACT
Beyond Arts + Crafts
This isn't just Arts & Crafts. The impact is most significant within the child as the child gains confidence, social awareness, self acceptance and develops design skills to solve problems that reflect the world today. Picassos @ Play's impact can be seen in a variety of ways: within children themselves, at school, at the playground, their community and in the world at large. All of which are components of 21st Century Learning, preparing your child for the future.
HISTORY
To foster creativity for the next generation of Thinkers and Doers
Picassos @ Play started as a pop up at a small preschool and elementary school in the Contra Costa area in California. The kids enjoyed the sessions and parents were asking for more. ​The founder and teacher, Courtney, took notice. It was time to have an on going solution that reflects rotation of the school year, meeting children where they are. Thus Picassos @ Play came into fruition. Courtney has 25+years of experience in design. She has worked at notable places such as Apple, Madison Reed, Frog Design Agency & more. To learn more about her and her career you can go here.
"At a young age, I had opportunity to explore art, express myself and be creative. It has served me well into my career and my life.
Now its time to give the gift to the next generation."
- Courtney Escanio, founder.