Nature, art & storytelling: Wheelbarrow Crafts (KS1)Warton Archbishop Hutton's Primary School

Photo credits by Warton Archbishop Hutton's Primary School

The young adventurers of CLASS 1 recently embarked on a whimsical journey through nature, art, and storytelling!  They explored the wonders of the natural world on a guided walk to a local park, using a wheelbarrow they began collecting treasures for a special project. Back at the classroom, these treasures were transformed into wheelbarrows made from recycled materials. (egg and cereal boxes) Each unique and bursting with creativity. Through storytelling and imaginative play, the children used their wheelbarrows expressing themselves through colours and decoration.

Overall Project Goal:

• Provide a fun and stimulating learning experience that combines environmental awareness, creative expression, and emotional well-being for children.

Project Goals:

• Spark curiosity and a love for the natural world.

• Provide a platform for creative expression and emotional exploration.

• Build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

• Promote teamwork and develop social skills.

• Offer a fun and relaxing experience for children of all levels.

Key Achievements:

• Enhanced connection with nature: Direct interaction with the natural environment fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

• Improved emotional expression: Creating art with natural materials provides an outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions in a creative and tangible way.

• Developed fine motor skills and creativity: Collecting, manipulating, and assembling natural materials enhances dexterity and imagination.

• Increased mindfulness and focus: Engaging in the process of creating art requires concentration and presence, which can improve mindfulness skills.

• Boosted self-esteem: Creating something tangible and visually appealing can boost children's confidence and self-worth.

• Potential for environmental awareness: Discussing the importance of nature conservation can spark interest in environmental issues.

Nature, art & storytelling: Collage Creations (KS2)Warton Archbishop Hutton's Primary School

Photo credits by Warton Archbishop Hutton's Primary School

Children enjoyed a guided nature walk to collect materials, fostering a connection with the natural world. The activity encouraged observation, mindfulness, and a sense of wonder.

Back in the classroom, tailored worksheets and activities delved deeper into the theme of mental health, promoting emotional awareness and expression.

The subsequent nature collage activity proved a powerful tool for children to visually represent their emotions, using the collected materials to create unique and personal artworks. Overall, the workshop fostered a positive and engaging atmosphere, with children demonstrating increased confidence and emotional expression.

Overall Goal:

To foster a connection with nature, promote emotional well-being, and develop creative expression through a combined nature walk and art-based activity.

Project Goals:

• Increased awareness of the natural environment: Encourage children to observe and appreciate the natural world around them.

• Emotional expression: Provide a platform for children to explore and express their emotions through art.

• Sensory engagement: Stimulate children's senses through direct interaction with nature.

• Creativity and imagination: Foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills through art-making.

• Sense of accomplishment: Build children's self-esteem through creating a tangible artwork.

• Collaboration and teamwork: Encourage cooperation and sharing during the nature walk and art-making process.

• Relaxation and mindfulness: Promote a sense of calm and well-being through nature-based activities.

Key Achievements:

• Enhanced connection with nature: Direct interaction with the natural environment fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

• Improved emotional expression: Creating art with natural materials provides an outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions in a creative and tangible way.

• Developed fine motor skills and creativity: Collecting, manipulating, and assembling natural materials enhances dexterity and imagination.

• Increased mindfulness and focus: Engaging in the process of creating art requires concentration and presence, which can improve mindfulness skills.

• Boosted self-esteem: Creating something tangible and visually appealing can boost children's confidence and self-worth.

• Potential for environmental awareness: Discussing the importance of nature conservation can spark interest in environmental issues.

Our Dopamine Hit at Lancaster University!

From Script to Screen: The Dopamine Journey at Lancaster

The journey to Lancaster began long before the opening credits rolled. Lots of meticulous planning went into tailoring the event for the Lancaster audience. We worked closely with the Take2 Cinema team, brainstorming ideas to create an engaging experience and fostering a sense of community around the screening.

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes

The success of the Lancaster screening wasn't just about the film itself. It was the tireless dedication of our team, from marketing and outreach who generated excitement on campus via social media campaigns and content posts.  We can't forget the Take2 Cinema staff, whose expertise and enthusiasm were instrumental in making the night unforgettable.

The Dopamine Effect: Audience Reactions and Beyond

The energy in the cinema was great. The audience's feedback to the film were a true testament to the story's impact. It was a truly inspiring exchange that solidified our belief in the power of film to spark conversation and connection.

Stay Tuned: More Dopamine to Come!

The positive feedback from Lancaster has us overflowing with gratitude and fuelled with excitement to share Dopamine with audiences everywhere. Stay tuned on our social media for upcoming screenings and festival announcements.

Doodling Our Way to Dopamine: A Pre-Screening Activity That Sparked Engagement

Before the lights dimmed and our film, Dopamine, took centre stage, we orchestrated a pre-screening activity that was anything but ordinary.  Forget popcorn trivia – this was "Dopamine Doodles," a creative and interactive experience designed to get the audience buzzing (quite literally) about the film's central theme.

Why Doodles?

Dopamine Doodles wasn't just a random icebreaker. It was strategically crafted to connect with the film's core message. The activity invited audience members to tap into their artistic side and visually represent their perception of dopamine – the neurotransmitter that can be your best friend, worst enemy or clever trickster!

Doodling for Deeper Engagement

The beauty of Dopamine Doodles lay in its simplicity.  With a blank canvas (paper) a few felt tips and pencils, the audience delved into their own experiences with dopamine. Did they associate it with vibrant colours and happy faces, representing the joy of achieving goals? Or did their doodles depict darker shades and tangled lines, reflecting the potential pitfalls of dopamine addiction?

Beyond the Doodles: A Community Buzz

The pre-screening activity wasn't just about individual expression. As the audience members shared their doodles and discussed their interpretations, a lively buzz filled the room. This fostered a sense of community and anticipation for the film, priming them to delve deeper into the themes explored on screen.

The Dopamine Doodles Effect

The success of Dopamine Doodles went beyond simply filling the pre-screening minutes. It set the tone for an engaged and thoughtful viewing experience. The film resonated more deeply with an audience who had already begun contemplating their own relationship with dopamine.