These great kids need positive ways to express themselves. Studies have shown that at-risk kids who participate in art programs develop higher self-esteem, more self-discipline, better social skills and over-all improved behavior. Art improves attitudes toward school and resistance to peer pressure. It increases the development of communication, cooperation, problem solving and creative thinking.
Creative projects can open up these kids minds and allow them to discover new talents. They can actually be motivated by their artwork.
Here is how the Echo Glen art docent program works:
A team of 2 volunteers go into a class once a month from Noon - 1:30 PM - day of month decided by EG teacher & you – the volunteer
- Lead Docent facilitates lessons & projects which are already written with corresponding posters of ‘master pieces’. This is the same program as most elementary schools have. The only thing you need is to be comfortable leading a discussion for 5-10 minutes (discussion info provided & the kids do most of the talking). There are no more than 10 students per class. After the discussion you help them with their art project.
- Assistant – set up supplies & help & encourage the students with their art project. All supplies are provided.
This is an extremely rewarding program. The kids absolutely love having their docents come in & look forward to our monthly projects. It is therapeutic for at-risk kids to be able to express themselves through art. For some, this is the one thing they can really succeed at.
These children come to understand that we invest our time because we care; their lives are changed forever when they discover someone cares.
Want more info? Ready to sign up? Contact the Echo Glen Outreach Coordinator.
