Art is an important part of our identity. Creative sessions in schools can be fitted in to the curriculum in short bursts around the pressures of other subjects or they can underpin lessons in a hands on way, developing a deeper knowledge of any topic.

 

Having a creative and therapeutic approach in a school setting can help us all understand the importance of supporting good mental health through art making. It can be with an individual, a group or a whole class using art materials to express feelings, thoughts and emotions. 

 

As well as supporting a child’s mental health, art, with a therapeutic approach, in schools can help improve behaviour, raise achievement, encourage attendance and help pupils take part more fully in school life. 

 

Here are some things that children have said about their experiences in individual art therapy.

 

​                       “It has helped me concentrate and cope with frustration”

 

                       “It helps not only me but other kids too”

                                                          

                       “I don’t get in trouble as much as I use to”

                                                         

                       “It has given me a place to talk which has made me happy” 

 

                       “It makes me feel free, I can be me when I am in art therapy”

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And here is some feedback from whole class projects focusing on book illustration:

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"The children absolutely loved it and were enthusing for weeks afterwards.

Many parents commented on how much the children had enjoyed the experience and

how much they loved the TOLLINS.

 

Lizzy has plenty of experience with children of primary age and was able to inspire and motivate.

I would highly recommend a visit from Lizzy as a wonderful way to link reading, art,

creative writing and knowledge of careers."

Headteacher, St Albans.

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"We were very excited when Lizzy Duncan, illustrator of the Tollins books,

agreed to hold an illustration workshop during our reading day.

The workshop was for KS2 children with two classes in each session.

 

Lizzy talked about her work as an illustrator; how she worked to a brief and tried to bring

the characters of a story to life. Lizzy’s brief to the children was to decide upon a

personality for their Tollin; were they mean, grumpy, cheerful or silly.

 

The children thought of lots of adjectives to describe their Tollin and the children drew theirs adding tracing paper wings as a final touch to complete the Tollin.

 

The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshop it was fun, informative AND inspiring,

and were especially pleased with their Tollins.

They presented them to the rest of the school in our special Reading Day assembly."

Headteacher, Rickmansworth.

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Please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.