The summer months are a great time for young people to make creative use of the long hours of extra time on their hands. Veronica Stivala lists some interesting ideas for students from primary to tertiary level.
While visual and auditory cues do stimulate our creativity, sometimes we do need to take a step back. Spending some time away from computers, mobile phones and tablets is one way of finding other ways of entertaining yourself, which often leads to creativity.
We have become so accustomed to staring at our electronic devices all day long that we feel helpless without them. But do try and disconnect. The first few hours or days will be tough and you might get bored. However, boredom is often a spark for creativity. Take out your notepad and sketchbook or unearth those paints and paintbrushes and give painting a go. Or why not make a collage with bits of anything really, from buttons and straws to ribbons or milk cartons. The sense of accomplishment we feel after having made something with our hands is very rewarding.
Arts and crafts
In addition to home activities, crafts lessons are a great way of learning new skills and making friends. The Malta Society of Arts in Valetta organises a wide range of visual, applied and performing arts classes throughout the year, running a special summer course from July to September. It has classes for all ages, from 4 all the way up to those wishing to sit for O-level exams as well as a course for people aged 50 plus. Other courses include woodcarving, clay sculpture, manga art, art and crafts, and make-up for film and television.
Traditional crafts are also taught and you can learn embroidery, filigree, lace, tailoring, how to make bridal bouquets, knitting, crochet, cake decorating, parchment, plastic canvas and cottage craft. For more information, call on 2124 4400, 2124 4339 or e-mail info@artsmalta.org.
Book clubs and reading sessions
Reading is a portal to knowledge and creativity. While reading is a solitary activity, children do need to be encouraged to read m.
An organisation called Bright Horizons, run by Julie Mangion, does precisely this.
“I strongly believe in the importance of developing a love of stories in children as young as possible,” Mangion, who is qualified in early childhood education, says.
Having worked in several independent schools in Malta, Mangion says that she is, “Aware that the curriculum is very intense and therefore creativity and imagination are not a priority. However, people who stand out in life are not those who can regurgitate others’ ideas, but rather those who can come up with their own. The earlier we can help children to think creatively and express their ideas, the better.”
Rather than just reading a story, Mangion aims to make stories exciting and uses fun techniques such magic wands and spells. She reads the story to the children and then they make a simple craft to take home. Children can also retell the story using masks, pictures or other props and this is usually followed with a related song, rhyme or game. Sessions, including summer ones, are offered in Attard for children aged 3 to seven years old. Some sessions also include painting, baking, singing, dancing and large-scale role-playing with props. For more information, call on 9984 3236 or e-mail brighthorizons123@gmail.com.
Sports, dance, cooking and more
Kids on Campus offers a wonderful and exciting summer experience for children aged three to 12 years. Children can build their self-esteem and develop social skills, as well as improve their educational, athletic, artistic and intellectual skills.
The under-5 programme offers children the opportunity to try out different activities such as sports and games, dance, cooking, splish-splash in an outside sand and water area, and arts and crafts. Through these sessions, children are encouraged to become more independent and to use their imagination while having fun.
The over-5 programme includes swimming, IT sessions using age-appropriate software, and sports and games sessions designed to promote teamwork and good sportsmanship while further developing their motor skills. Through dance, for instance, children can work on their coordination and rhythm while drama enables children to think creatively and cooperate together as a group.
During cooking lessons, children will prepare recipes carefully selected by the home economics teacher, while arts and crafts sessions provide children with hands-on experiences using glue, paints and various recyclable materials. Children can also take lessons in self-defence and fitness, during which they focus on discipline and self-control.
For more information visit www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/kidspoint/kidsoncampus.