As an Early Years educator, I’ve always believed in the power of play to transform young minds and foster early language development. In 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting Greg Bottrill, author of ‘Can I go and play now?’ His insights deeply resonated with me and reinforced the values that led me to become a Primary School Teacher.
Greg emphasised the importance of incorporating children’s interests into the curriculum, making learning feel like poetry. It was through his innovative program, ‘Drawing Club,’ that I found a perfect avenue to implement this philosophy.
Drawing Club is more than just doodling; it’s an opportunity for children to dive into the magical world of storytelling while enhancing their language and fine motor skills. After immersing themselves in a traditional tale or a beloved story, children embark on an adventure of words, actions, and descriptive drawings. They’re encouraged to use their imagination to bring themes, objects, and characters to life, using their drawings as a springboard for conversation about what their artwork means to them.
The progress I’ve witnessed among the children that have taken part in Drawing Club is truly remarkable. Their confidence and delight have soared, and they eagerly showcase their creations each week. Its immensely gratifying for our teachers at St. Joseph’s to facilitate and explore alongside the children. Drawing Club isn’t just about art; it’s a catalyst for developing literacy skills and enhancing communication and language proficiencies.
I’m excited to continue this journey with our students, nurturing their creativity and love for learning through the power of play and storytelling.
Colette Irvine