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Peninsula Kids
Home»Education»Fostering self-expression, imagination and original ideas through creative arts
Education

Fostering self-expression, imagination and original ideas through creative arts

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By Pat Barbieri

The other morning, I sat with my Pre-Prep class and introduced the ‘languages of learning’ concept to my group of 4-year-olds. We discussed how people can express themselves with their words, with their body movements and with their actions. As a group, we start to explore the many different types of languages and, before long, we realise that not all languages are spoken. They can include painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, construction and even photography. What we discover, however, is that all languages help us express ourselves and learn further.

At 3 and 4 years of age, children are inquisitive, excitable and curious. They are forming connections – with each other and their environment – and learning how to express their thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is because of this that exposure to the creative arts at a young age is so significant. Not only in developing each child’s physical, emotional and cognitive capabilities, but also in cultivating their imagination and creating the foundation for them to thrive in their future.

Inspiration leads to expression.

Creative arts have always been considered to be an expressive pastime, and this holds true for 3 and 4-year-old children as well, as they use all that surrounds them as inspiration to explore their feelings and develop their own original ideas. Every week, I see children take inspiration from painters such as Monet, popular books such as

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, their local surroundings or indigenous culture and use creative arts as a way to reflect their world and express their ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Exploration and experimentation set the foundation for future learning.

Research tells us that children learn best when they are encouraged to actively explore and experiment. The beauty of creative arts is its open-endedness. Be it through exploring a range of art forms or by experimenting with colours, patterns and textures, this can spark the curiosity of our youngest learners and help them develop dispositions for future learning including curiosity, cooperation, confidence, enthusiasm and persistence.

The power of imagination and reflection.

Children need to be given the freedom to imagine, express themselves and work through problems. Through creative arts, children are encouraged to take risks, think outside the box and ponder new approaches as they create and solve problems. They work on their own or with their peers, often sharing their thoughts and excitement in the process. Importantly, creative arts also provides children with the opportunity to continuously absorb the beliefs and perspectives of others and reflect on their own beliefs and perspectives as they seek to make meaning of the world.


Pat Barbieri is the director of early learning at Toorak College.

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2020/21

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Crib Point Cricket Club  have opened up Registrations for their popular Woolworths Blast sessions this Summer, with the first session kicking off in early January.

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⚪️⚫️🏏WOOLWORTHS BLAST⚪️⚫️🏏

Crib Point Cricket Club  have opened up Registrations for their popular Woolworths Blast sessions this Summer, with the first session kicking off in early January.

Last year saw fantastic numbers and an enthusiastic group of kidlets learning to play the game of cricket and the Club is hoping to grow those numbers even more this year.

Woolworths Blast is open to children aged 4-7 and a lot of fun. Simply jump on to https https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/6fcc29 and register. It’s that easy!!

* Junior Blasters Program
* For kids new to cricket aged 4-7 years of age
* 60 minutes of fun game based activities each session
* Parents join the fun!
* All equipment supplied
* All kids get their own Blasters Pack and wear the colours of their favourite Big Bash heroes
* Cost $99

Blast will kick off on Friday January 9th at Crib Point Recreational Reserve and run for 8 consecutive weeks.
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⚪️⚫️🏏WOOLWORTHS BLAST⚪️⚫️🏏 Crib Point Cricket Club have opened up Registrations for their popular Woolworths Blast sessions this Summer, with the first session kicking off in early January. Last year saw fantastic numbers and an enthusiastic group of kidlets learning to play the game of cricket and the Club is hoping to grow those numbers even more this year. Woolworths Blast is open to children aged 4-7 and a lot of fun. Simply jump on to https https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/6fcc29 and register. It’s that easy!! * Junior Blasters Program * For kids new to cricket aged 4-7 years of age * 60 minutes of fun game based activities each session * Parents join the fun! * All equipment supplied * All kids get their own Blasters Pack and wear the colours of their favourite Big Bash heroes * Cost $99 Blast will kick off on Friday January 9th at Crib Point Recreational Reserve and run for 8 consecutive weeks.
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The countdown is on, school holidays are just around the corner and Acro Kids is the place to be! 22nd September – 3rd October in Mornington and Braeside. Reinvented full day programs designed for beginners to advanced skills, kids will learn wicked acro and parkour tricks and make heaps of new friends. Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ @acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
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The Hawks are back in Frankston this weekend! Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/hawthorn-v-carlton-2025-nab-aflw-season-10-frankston-23-08-2025/event/130062D7A58C195D Please Note Junior Policy: Children aged 0-17 as at 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry. Persons aged 18 and over as at 1 January 2025 are classified as an adult. @hawthornaflw Hawthorn FC AFLW #aflw #kineticstadium #frankston
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Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my! Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays. Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience! Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences. “The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine "Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times "Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN Frankston Arts Centre Tuesday 23 September, 2pm Tuesday 23 September, 6pm Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance) Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75) Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060 Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac #frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
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Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page.

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Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page. https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/ @chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
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