Chicago, IL (1888PressRelease)
January 23, 2008 - Parents are getting in the game and becoming actively involved in their children’s lives. This time, rather than shuttling the young ones in a carpool or cheering from the soccer sidelines, parents are picking up the pencil, frequently recommending art programs as their children look for extracurricular activities.
Young Rembrandts, an innovative program designed to teach youth the power of drawing, encourages parents to engage in their children’s participation in art or pro-social activities by being active role models.
“My children are learning about theory, as well as new vocabulary terms. I see my daughter not just doodling, but drawing with the empowerment of her new knowledge,” said Darleen Carty of Cleveland, a parent of two children in Young Rembrandts. “The curriculum in Young Rembrandts is a great supplement to the Brunswick School District curriculum. The instructor is also very engaging, energetic and exciting.”
For nearly 20 years, Young Rembrandts has taught drawing, the fundamental skill of all visual arts, to children aged 3 ½ to 12. The unique, proven method and step-by-step curriculum fosters a wealth of skills such as fine motor skills, handwriting readiness and attention to detail. Children taught using this method develop increased patience, discipline and focus as well as a host of artistic knowledge such as art history, art vocabulary, and fundamental drawing skills, and expanded creativity, imagination and confidence.
Tips for Getting Involved
Getting involved in a child’s activity is easier with quick tips and tricks at parents’ fingertips. Young Rembrandts recommends the following:
• Be impressed – post the artwork in the house, such as on the refrigerator or a bulletin board.
• Colors count – no matter what color the sky or grass is, from purple to hot pink, praise children for their creativity and efforts.
• Get creative – try drawing with children after school, while waiting in the doctor’s office, at a restaurant or during the weekend.
• Empower them – ask children to teach you the drawing lesson – or one aspect of the lesson they learned at Young Rembrandts that week.
• Reinforce learning – encourage them to point out shapes, or one particular shape, they drew in class found in other objects around the house, while driving, etc.
• Be prepared – create a drawing box or toolkit that doubles as a lap box, for children to take in the car. It can contain paper and colored pencils to keep the young ones occupied while waiting in traffic or on longer trips.
Bette Fetter, the founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts, started the drawing program with her children and neighbors’ children at her kitchen table. What began as a simple after-school activity of a young, involved mom has now grown into a successful business with franchises internationally. Young Rembrandts, also considered one of the leaders in children’s drawing programs, still focuses on the drawing curriculum it provides the children and not simply growing the business.
“As a parent of four now-grown children, I understand how busy moms can be, especially in the lifestyles of today,” said Fetter, founder and parent of four children. “Parents look for after-school programs that are quality and affordable and parents are often impressed with the ‘before and after’ work their children show them.”
The Young Rembrandts Web site,
www.youngrembrandts.com, offers a location finder for ease and convenience.
