Our Bucket List ~ Asia Here we Come! : "Artist" Nick was asked to give Lessons to the Children

A few ladies from the Saturday afternoon Language Club have their children in a private school here in Salatiga - it is called the School of Life. It is a curriculum that gives children the opportunity to learn & grow in their own gifts & talents. We think it might be comparable to Montessori school we have in the States.

Nick was asked if he would come teach the kids some skills in painting? It would be with the 1st to 3rd graders? "Nick said yes of course we will - we will come and give them a lesson!"

We were asked to be there at 8:30 am - and so we were! We followed our friends Wawan & Nanik, who lives close by, on the motorbike to the school.

It was a unique building - with trees - concrete trees

up along side the 2 story building-creating a kind of tree house look! It was a really great look...and so inviting for kids how cool is that?! The grounds were very neat & tidy and spread out - Wow! What a great place to come to school to learn & have fun too!

When we arrived the children were all waiting outside for us at their tables. The teachers (guru's) welcomed

us warmly with handshake. They had set up an easel and a few tables for Nick to set

up his canvas & brushes.

The children were handed out a sheet of paper and then Nick began to paint - it was really nice to have the easel there!

He began to squeeze out some paint in a circle on a plate. I explained to the children how you squeeze the little dabs of paint like that in a circle, choosing the colors you want to work with in your painting. Then in the center of the plate you can mix the different colors by dabbing a little paint - bring it to the center add a little water to make the color combination you want ~

The kids had been passed out color crayons and they looked intently and listened and began to draw the mountain just like Nick did and then the sky - and the horizon ....some rice

patties - and the kids worked seriously along watching his picture all the time. They were steadfast and focused those little ones! So cute to see!

We explained a little about this and that...encouraging them - and of course we saw some little artists among the group too! The teachers & some parents watched while someone was taking pictures of the morning.

Nick painted & I explained to the teachers about the different kinds of brushes & what each brush could do, a wide "fan-like" brush can be used for the trees ...the teacher would interpret to the kids...and they would continue to watch Nick and color their own picture!

When were given a

little box. In it some water and snacks, just in case we got hungry during our lesson! Sweet huh? So considerate and thoughtful!

I walked around and just encouraged the kids - ..and they just kept working at their picture....everyone was committed to finishing their picture - just like Nick.

Nick signed the picture and we told them that artists do that in the corner - so they too should do that! He dated the picture so to remember this special day- and we encouraged them to date their own picture too so they will see their own progression in years to come!

We told them with practice they will get better & better...but to enjoy it and make it fun!