Smart Work 2027: Aimokoulu Design Play Groups for 2–4-year-olds with a parent

The idea for developing hobby activities for young children was born in 2013, when a visual arts teacher at Aimokoulu noticed a gap in the city’s offerings for young children following the birth of their own child. I wanted to participate with my child in a group that combined art, design, and music. Such groups were not available, not in Hämeenlinna nor in the whole of Finland at that time.

My idea to offer Design Play groups for 2–5-year-olds at Aimokoulu was welcomed with joy. Basic education in the arts at Aimokoulu is typically offered to those over 5 years old and without a parent. I wanted to offer teaching groups where the relationship between parent and child develops and strengthens through art. It was also important for children of the same age and their parents to meet one another.

Currently, depending on the academic year, Aimokoulu runs 2–3 groups intended for 2–4-year-olds with their own adult. These groups have been running since 2015. They have become a permanent part of Aimokoulu. The hobby is subject to a fee and generates income for Aimokoulu.

The work will continue to be developed and groups will be offered in the future. Teachers also change occasionally, so the group leader gains wonderful experience in leading a child-adult group, and we can engage Aimokoulu’s customers with art and design from an early age.

Developer

Anni Honkajuuri, visual arts teacher, Aimokoulu