TEACHING + LEARNING Statement
2024–2025
Leaps of IMAGINATION’S FALL programs launch oCTOBER 1.
Here’s the scoop.
As we kickoff this year’s programs, we follow school protocol when illness is prevalent.
Indoor + Outdoor Learning. We host our programs in classrooms, school libraries, art rooms, and out-of-doors. Every program has an outside component, weather permitting.
Wheeler Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Once an abandoned granite quarry, Wheeler Bay has been preserved by Len Greenhalgh and Jocelyn Paquette, to support a wide variety of local species. Located in Spruce Head, Maine, Wheeler Bay offers an ideal natural learning environment for Leaps’ explorers. Children spend 3-4 hours in the sanctuary, observing, drawing, and making connections through art.
Individual Art Satchels. We provide each student with their own art satchel filled with materials. At the end of the program, kids take their satchel home, so they can continue the creative process.
Student Journals. Each child has a journal for drawing and idea-building that fits right into their art satchel. Leaps’ artists offer specific written feedback in response to student input.
Programs. Learning looks a bit different in Leaps. Our multi-week classes are 75–90 minutes long, take place 2X a week and dovetail with grade level curriculum. At any moment young artists may be working in their journal, engaging in dialog with a partner or group of peers, researching, or applying new art skills.
Leaps’ Release Forms. We require parents to sign a release form (media permission sign-off) so that we can post photos and quotes on our blog site and in Leaps’ materials.
Find Leaps of Imagination’s Updates on our Website and Blogs.
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. COLLABORATION COUNTS.
Each Leaps’ artist works with a small group of students as a facilitator, forging meaningful relationships and modeling new skills. Committed to a 5/1 student/ teacher ratio, Leaps of Imagination values personal connections.
We help forge student-to-student relationships between partners from across grade levels or in the same grade but in different sections. Collaboration is at the heart of every Leaps’ experience.
At the conclusion of each program we exhibit Leaps’ art so that community members can appreciate the beauty, complexity and connectivity, central to all Leaps’ learning.
We are grateful to Daniel W. Dietrich ll Foundation, Maine Arts Commission, Maine Community Foundation, Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation, and Onion Foundation for making Leaps of Imagination possible in underserved schools.