Art, Movement & Life Skills Academy
Brain and Body Development for Youth & Teens
About Our Enrichment Programs
Our Philosophy & Mission
We provide a judgement-free forum in which today's generation of youth become tomorrow's successful and compassionate adults. We watch for and nuture the spark that makes each student unique and we feed that spark, watching it glow bright and strong. Students' artistic and/or physical abilities are never critiqued by teachers because critiquing creates fear and withdrawal rather than inspiring the creativity that fulfills our mission. Instead, each student is respected and honored just by virtue of being who they are now. Under our guidance and care, students cultivate both the creative and practical skills required to navigate increasingly complex life events and issues. Our life skills programs assist students in preparing for big real-time transitions, such as moving from elementary to middle school, from middle to high school, thinking about college, or deciding on a career.
Our classes are a perfect fit as enrichment classes for after-school and homeschool students.
The Three-Building Blocks of Our Enrichment Program
Expressive Arts
Rather than imposing a rigid structure on the artwork students create, we offer the seed of an idea and then see how the seed germinates into an art-form from their own imaginations. Afterwards,students share the meaning behind the art they created. Students also learn to tap deeper into their inner selves through creative writing, which includes short stories, poetry and storytelling. Acting, public speaking and personal expression opportunities are abundant. As the youth share with us about what they've created, be it art or writing, they can give voice to their vulnerability and fears as well as further developing their own viewpoints on life. It's truly beautiful.
Movement
Movement of all types - free style dancing, hula-hooping, frisbee-throwing, yoga and all kinds of exerise are a part of every class. Exercise not only increases muscle strength and brain power, it also releases pent up stress and steadies the nervous system while building the brain. Weather allowing, many activities will be done outside in our large 3/4 acre green space.
Life Skills
Field trips to grocery stores, thrift shops and other places serve as learning tools for developing life skills. And speaking of life skills ... we cover them all, from learning how to shop and cook, to balancing a checkbook and reading a lease, to working well with others, managing anxiety, and conflict resolution. Our evidence-based Botvin life skills program is comprehensive in scope and covers an amazing array of skills needed by youth and teens.