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At Sawyer we have the privilege to work with hundreds of inspiring educators around the United States. Whether they teach virtual classes or in-person neighborhood activities, the curriculums always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning. We got the opportunity to chat with Minni, a creative space run by professional artists and educators located in Boston. To see some of our other educators in the area, check out our list of kids activities in Boston.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! I’d first love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business?
We are professional artists, designers and educators and we have kids! We wanted to teach our kids the beauty of art and design. We imagined an inspirational place for kids to celebrate open-ended, natural approach to invention, and supportive, trained educators to guide their technique and processes. So, we made Minni!
Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?
I recently spoke with a parent whose son attended our week-long “Minni Great Galaxies” summer program. She was thrilled to share he’d set up a gallery wall in his bedroom featuring his rocket collages and planet landscape paintings, along with a few new works of his own. He has been inviting friends over for playdates and telling them he is an artist and they just have to come see his show! It’s so rewarding knowing we are empowering little ones to celebrate their creativity and envision themselves as working artists.
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?
One of the wonderful things about Minni is that many of the students here have been coming to classes for years, working their way up through the different age groups of classes. Watching not only their technical artistic abilities develop but also their patience, creative problem solving skills, and art literacy build is so exciting. We can’t wait to see where their creativity will take them next!
What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?
We had some very hot days during our summer program in Boston this summer, and one student went home and made a colorful paper fan for every student and teacher in the class! She showed up with a picnic basket full of fans during our extended day lunch and went around inviting everyone to choose their favorite color and cool down. It was so thoughtful!
On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?
One little artist in our Summer Program had learned to say “excuse me!” when she needed someone’s attention. However, she hadn’t yet learned when or how many times to say it. The result was tiny but determined voice calling out, “EXCUUUUUUUSE MEEEE! EX-CUUUUSE ME! EXCUUUUSE MEEE!” It was truly hard not to laugh, but we had to appreciate her assertiveness!
I noticed your classes revolve around early development and art. Why is it important for children to partake in these activities?
Discovering their artistic abilities through multi-sensory play is so important for our youngest learners. Classes for ages 1.5-3 emphasize process and exploration- art making without the pressure of end result! Another important aspect of these classes is that parents or caregivers are working alongside the children, learning to support their child’s learning and creativity. We’re also relieving them of having to clean up a BIG painty mess at home!
What is your favorite class to teach and why?
Our Minni Woodworkers class is really unique in that students are developing specific technical skills while using real tools that even many adults haven’t had to the opportunity to learn to use yet! They take these skills and apply them to planning their own projects from start to finish, ranging from simple nail boards for string art all the way to detailed wooden models of imaginary cities, and the results are pretty amazing!
What's one trick you learned from another educator that you still practice?
Never put an art supply out on the table until you are ready for the students to use it. It’s just too irresistible!
Do you have a favorite book, game, app, or other education resource? And why?
The CoAuthor app (and Instagram account and e-newsletter) is a fantastic resource. It provides a range of short prompts and other tools for engaging in meaningful conversations with children that are incredibly useful for teachers and parents alike!
How do you think children should practice art when they’re not in school or your program?
At Minni we teach children to explore a wide range of artistic processes, think like artists and designers, and have fun doing it! I would encourage children to identify some of their favorite materials, set up a dedicated art corner or kit and take their creativity to the next level!
