In this course the feasible and sustainable approach “Understanding Through your Hands” will give surprising insights and many practical new ideas. This clear vision on children and creativity as stated in the book “How Children Learn and Create Using Art, Play and Science” (published by Routledge, 2023) will be substantiated during the course. Traditional views are brought up for discussion, and ideas can be put into practice the next day. The course is not just about art, but about learning through art, about the important role of a studio educator, who facilitates children in creative processes to have agency and to develop self-esteem.

A course from Atelier in een Koffer (Studio in a Case) offers always a great and inspiring combination of theory and practice. Participants will work with various simple and challenging materials, which also appeal to the imagination for children. Understanding Through your Hands is an approach for everybody from 0 to 100+ years.

This course can vary in duration, from 1 till 4 study-days, depending on request. A 2day course is a successful formula, a single study-day or an online course is also possible. Depending on the length of the course, the focus of the training can shift from a basic to a more advanced program. Subjects can be how to implement or deepen play- or inquiry based learning, how to get creative processes started with mark making, how to shift from a product- to a process-orientated approach, the importance of documentation and insights in the development of drawing-language.

Who: This training is suitable for all professionals in education or childcare.

Language: English /or German (if preferred)

Date and Location: This training is on request, as an in company training on location, or – with a group of 15 till 18 participants – in the studio of Atelier in een Koffer in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It can also be offered as an online course where 15 till 25 persons can join, with 2 blocks of 2,5 hours a day. Participants will then receive a surprise box with materials in advance. The online course is not anonymous listening, but also has an active part where participants themselves can “understand through their hands” in small groups (break-out rooms) using the materials from the package. This way this online course can connect people from all over the world regardless the geographical distance.

Teachers: Atelier in een Koffer (Studio in a Case): cultural pedagogue Sabine Plamper & visual artist Titia Sprey

Costs: The costs for an online training depend on the amount of participants and the costs for sending a package with material. All training versions will include the book ‘Understanding Through your Hands’ (Routledge, 2023).  It can also take place in the studio of Atelier in een Koffer in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The price will then include materials and catering (coffee, tea and vegetarian lunch). For a course on a location abroad, there will be extra costs, such as travel expenses. 

Review from participants:

‘The course from Atelier in a Case was for me * educational * good atmosphere * inspiring * surprising * varied * flow (time flew) * practical, because the ideas are good to use in the classroom and * clearly theoretically supported! ‘

‘Very nice training! Learned a lot, gained a lot of inspiration, eye opener! Nice combination of practice and listening areas, well-coordinated. Great ideas, good atmosphere. “