A new art studio has opened for children at the St. Francis Creche Episcopal Preschool and the school has also added a yoga class to its after-school curriculum. “We are excited to have these offerings that enhance our active learning,” says Creche director Jane Ruppe Keihn.

The Creche repurposed existing space at the church to house a new ”process art” studio that students go to at least once a week. Housing the art studio in a separate, intentional space allows more freedom for ongoing projects and gives the students a sense of creative space. The art classes focus on the individual creative process as opposed to the final product.

In one recent class, students drew with markers taped to toy cars. Creche teacher Jessica Maxson, a graduate student in art therapy, says, “This is a non-directive activity that incorporates lots of movement and promotes social skills by sharing and discussing what marks appear on the paper.” Other recent projects have included painting with rubber bands and making paper sculptures. “Young children learn best through sensory means and through movement, and process art uses these modes to their best advantage,” Maxson explains, adding, “ It also stimulates development in many areas, including fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional skills, and cognitive skills such as planning, problem solving and creativity.”

Creche students have also been trying on yoga, as regular Creche fitness instructor Coach Geoff Wright has been offering an after-school yoga class and children have been stretching into imaginative animal poses. Coach Wright’s fitness classes are a regular part of the Creche Preschool weekly curriculum and include basic motor skills, strength and stretching exercises, games, nature hikes, running and balance work.

The Creche will host a preschool art show in the spring, in conjunction with a planned singing performance.

For more information, contact Creche Director Jane Ruppe Keihn at 703-759-2522 or visit http://www.stfrancisgreatfalls.org/index.php/creche.