MAURA LENNOX DESIGNER | EDUCTOR | RESEARCHER
SEND Placement
Theme: Me, Myself and My Family
Cheeverstown is a voluntary organisation that provides a wide range of residential, respite and day services to almost 400 children and adults.
Day 1: The tour at the National Gallery of Ireland focuses on the theme of "Me, Myself and Family." A preplanned 60-minute guided tour is conducted for 5 students, during which they look at and respond to 6 pieces of art. Day 2: Students work with air drying clay to create tiles with their initials. The tiles are pre-cut, and different rollers and materials are provided to make prints into the clay. Hand over hand action is used to ensure that everyone can participate. Day 3: Students make hand, feet, and wheel prints on large format paper in a fun and safe space. They get to pick their favorite colors to use. Day 4: Textured paper portraits are created using various textured and colored papers. Day 5: The clay tiles made on Day 2 are painted by hand with a focus on feeling the texture of the tiles when dry. Students observe and discuss their paintings. Day 6: The second tour at the National Gallery of Ireland follows the same theme as Day 1, with a different selection of 6 pieces of art. This guided tour is also 60 minutes long and conducted for 5 students. Day 7: Students create stain glass paper windows using premade tracing paper windows and different colored tissues. Day 8: Textured homes are made using a variety of textured materials. Day 9: The final day of the program is dedicated to a family exhibition, where the students' artwork created throughout the week is displayed and celebrated
Reflection on my Experience in Cheeverstown:
Working with special needs children in this program was a fulfilling experience. The children's progress and growth were inspiring, and it was heartening to see them gain confidence in their abilities and become more comfortable in their own skin. The program was inclusive and provided a safe and fun space for the children to express themselves through art. It was a reminder of the power of creativity to bring joy, healing, and personal growth.