Western Education & Library Board
Title: Exploring the Hundred Languages of Children
Artform: Visual Art
Organisation: Five early years groups including Carebears, Newtownstewart; First Steps Children’s Centre, Killen; Sugar and Spice Playgroup, Drumquin; Peter Pan Playgroup, Trillick and Puddleducks Playgroup Clanabogan
Creative Partners: Dara Hand - Visual artist

Synopsis: Visual artistDara Hand worked with the five playgroups to create pieces of work which enhanced the respective outdoor play environments for the children and allowed them to express themselves in a ‘hundred different ways’. The pieces were created using recyclable materials and emphasised the need to be environmentally friendly.  The project encouraged the children to explore their own creativity and responses about the world, and how it works. While working with Dara they were able to explore and ideas, learn new skills, and develop their language in collaboration with other children. The project reflected the influence of the Italian Reggio Emilia approach to creativity and early years. Some of the work created was exhibited in showcase event in the Omagh Community House.  Individual sculptural and mechanical pieces were created for each of the playgroups that will provide stimulation and foster the imaginations and creative potential of future children attending the five playgroups.