Out of the Box
Inspired by the limitless creative and imaginative possibilities of the humble cardboard box, I run workshops, events, parties and activities for children which are designed to build confidence, encourage imagination and be playful.
Every workshop or event is underpinned by the idea of creating something wonderful out of recycled materials - a trash to treasure ethos.
I aim to create opportunities for children of any age or ability to learn through play, experimenting, exploring and testing. I encourage risk-taking and provide challenges by using a wide range of different practical equipment and tools like glue-guns, hack-saws and so much more. I celebrate mistake-making and try to use this as a valuable means for teaching resilience and empowerment in children.
I aim to strike a balance between offering projects which are challenging and occasionally fiddly, and those which are whimsical and silly - we all need some joy!
All workshops have their foundations in STEAM-based learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).
About me
I became a primary teacher in 2006, during which time I worked as Art & Design coordinator, as well as an outdoor learning teacher. After many years in the classroom, I was feeling a need to bring more creative freedom into my work with children, so have been running workshops, events, parties and after school clubs ever since.
My work is always evolving, and I get particularly inspired by new projects which enable me to work with different groups and individuals, and in particular those that offer something good for the community.
I am particularly motivated by working on collaborative group projects with children, where they have a hand in creating art works - sometimes these are completely child-led, other times I will incorporate their ideas into my own work. I have a workshop at home where I am also able to work on some of these projects, and produce my own art work.
I am a gatherer of junk and interesting ephemera, which often steers my imagination towards the next project idea.
I have current and valid DBS, safeguarding, first aid, insurance and risk assessment policies in place.
I live in Brighton with my partner, 3 children, dog and two tortoises.
Kate
Ethos
To the best of my abilities, Out of the Box activities are designed to be inclusive to all.
I believe strongly that children need to learn fundamentally through play, and should be given the freedom to test things, experiment, make mistakes and persevere.
I strive to find a way to make my workshops and events affordable and accessible to all, and provide subsidies wherever possible.
