Grandparent teaches pre-k students the wonders of art

 The Southwest PreK students may have been a little late, but they used art this week to say “Hello Spring.” Their facilitator was Ms. Clara Dobbins, a volunteer and Varnett grandparent who spent nearly a week giving the youngsters drawing lessons. (Video)
 
Spring officially started on March 20. However, that didn’t stop the PreK students from expressing their greetings to the season by drawing butterflies, flowers, birds and anything related to spring.

“I think they can relate to all of the items they are painting,”  Ms. Dobbins said in an interview.
 
Click here for more photos!

An auction will be held Monday, April 11, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. when parents (or anyone) can bid on their favorite work.

Ms. Dobbins, an independent arts and crafts professional, said it is important for young children to engage in art. “A lot of kids express their emotions (through art),” she said. “It can be therapeutic for some. Some think it’s very fun, and it is. I am elated by the fact that I can do this for them.”
 
Ms. Dobbins talks about teaching art to students

Ms. Dobbins is a PTO member at the Southwest Campus and has been associated with Varnett for more than 20 years.  She spends a lot of her time facilitating workshops.
 
Office Depot in Bellaire, a Varnett partner, provided the paint and aprons.

Ms. Pamella Thomas, Southwest PreK parent liaison, is the one who invited Ms. Dobbins to work with the children.

“We wanted to introduce our PreK4 students to art education,” Ms. Thomas said. “It gives them the opportunity for personal artistic expression. This is a hands-on art experience that will increase their motor skills because that’s very important in early childhood education. The art lessons also help our students in learning how to interact and follow directions.”

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