Children are being encouraged to get creative and make puppets, props and musical instruments out of household items in a series of lockdown workshops.
‘Make Shake Play,’ is run by the Mildmay Community Partnership and aims to create a space of learning and entertainment for under fives and parents alike. The initiative, which started on 11th November, takes the form of a series of weekly online workshops which take place via Zoom for free.
Kirsty Amy Anne, the organiser and host of the workshops, hopes that kids will be able to join in arts and crafts at home. “I really want them to have a space for their imagination,” she said. “A lot of families I work with don’t feel comfortable doing art, especially at home, and I guess I’m just trying to make it more accessible and kind of encourage people to experiment with what they have around them.”
Kirsty said that while attendees can’t enjoy the workshop in person, hosting events online can be hugely engaging for children, who will be encouraged to turn their hand to “making puppets, making props, or making musical instruments out of materials that you have in your house.”
The workshops will also include movement, dance, and interactive stories. Kirsty emphasised that she wants parents and carers to get involved in activities with children, describing herself as “very pro-adult play”.
“I want kids and their parents and carers to connect in a positive way, and to feel comfortable to do these things at home… I think we need to experiment and take risks and not be worried,” she said.
‘Make, Shake, Play,’ will run weekly on Tuesdays at 10am-11am online.
