Method

Origins

Graphic Babbling sessions follow a method developed at the Centre for Children’s Culture in Pori, Finland, in co-operation with art educators and early development specialists since 2003. Due to unforeseen media attention in Finland, the Centre for Children’s Culture also started a formal training programme in 2006 for individuals interested in the method.

Anna-Maija Rist was among the first to train, and the only person attending the course from outside Finland!

Benefits

‘By encouraging creativity and imagination we are promoting children’s ability to explore and comprehend their world and increasing their opportunities to make new connections and reach new understandings.’
Bernadette Duffy, OBE (2006) Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years.

Graphic Babbling does not aspire to improve artistic talent in children, but rather to encourage families to discover the joy of creative activities from an early age.
Early exposure to different textures and colours helps young children to make more detailed observations about the world around them.

Art is also a form of expression; the pre-verbal babies’ playing with painting media is sometimes referred to as ‘graphic babbling’, or communication through graphic materials before language begins to surface. For older children, creating their own artwork will boost confidence and belief in their own abilities. Above all, however, it is the close parental attention in a peaceful setting that will encourage children’s emerging personalities to blossom.

For parents, the added benefits include new social networks with like-minded parents and the pleasure of bringing home your child’s artwork with no cleaning up to do.

Ethos of the sessions

All children are different and while some may instantly take to experimenting with arts materials, others may actually feel a little intimidated by their first workshop as a wholly new social experience. They may not want to take part very actively, and only want to be held and/or to observe. This is just as valid a way of participation as a more ‘hands on’ approach. However, with plenty of parental or carer's reassurance, most children will soon show active enjoyment.

All participating families are encouraged to proceed at their own pace and do more or do less depending on the child’s mood. You are also always welcome to attend to your child’s needs during our session, be it feeding or changing, or anything in between!