How Art History Empowers Your Child’s Inner World

UPYKM offers crafts inspired by renowned artists

In an era dominated by instant digital filters, children often lack opportunities for slow, tactile activities that foster genuine creative expression. At Upside Down Yoga Kids, we provide students with references to accomplished artists, drawing inspiration from art history to enrich their own creations. By introducing historical context and sharing the stories of Great Masters, we aim to inspire and engage children, encouraging them to enjoy storytelling as a foundation for their artistic endeavours.

At UPYKM, we are committed to offering a range of seasonal activities and innovative crafts designed to capture children’s curiosity. Recognizing the importance of varied learning experiences, this season’s curriculum has included projects inspired by Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Tarsila do Amaral. We utilize printables and employ cardboard as primary material, allowing children to create authentic works of art infused with historical significance and inquisitiveness.

1. Cultivating Curiosity and Confidence through Creation

Exposure to history encourages children to understand complex aspects of life. Engaging in tactile projects helps them concentrate, express creativity, and process emotions.

2. Art as Emotional Support

Children frequently experience intense emotions before they develop the vocabulary to articulate them. Artistic activities and creativity serve as therapeutic tools, assisting children in managing their feelings and maintaining focus during hands-on tasks.

The Boldness of Frida Kahlo: Teaches resilience through self-portraits

Henri Matisse: "Drawing with Scissors" introduces the concept of resilience

Tarsila do Amaral: Highlights Brazilian culture through vibrant artistic expressions

Yayoi Kusama: Inspires creativity with dots and unique constructions

3. From Engagement to Somatic Flow

The UPYK Experience: Our approach ensures a balanced learning environment; students participate in two activities—30 minutes of yoga followed by 30 minutes of arts and crafts. Considering young learners’ limited attention spans, yoga sessions are structured so each posture lasts only one to two minutes.

Arts and crafts serve as valuable complements, enabling sustained engagement and concentration. Our crafts are intentionally simple, utilizing cardboard as the foundational material. Children are guided to explore shapes through tactile interaction before cutting paper, deepening their connection to the creative process.

4. Low mess crafts materials

We believe that the tools we give children send a message about how much we value their work. By using sustainable practices and professional-grade inspiration, we move away from "disposable crafts" and toward meaningful creations that children are proud to display.

When your child brings home a piece inspired by a Master, they aren't just bringing home a drawing. They are bringing home a conversation about history, a lesson in emotional regulation, and a new found sense of identity as a "Real Artist."

Let’s move, breathe, and create a masterpiece together.

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