Why I started Hands on Primary

After I had my first child, I found myself spending less time in the classroom and more time in libraries, parks and at my own kitchen table. I envisioned the kitchen table as a hub of happy activity as my family grew. A place for mealtimes, projects, planning our lives and sitting around and chatting while someone cooked. For baking, little hands pressing dough. And for art. Messy finger painting and careful colouring of imagined worlds. A time to share my own passion for art with my children, but also to see their creations and minds at work. More than anything, it represented the kind of family life I hoped to build: one filled with creativity, conversation and connection.

As I thought about the kind of childhood I wanted to provide my own child, I thought about the challenges which families face as they seek to offer their own children curious, creative experiences.

Many families do not have dedicated art spaces, or endless time, or endless budgets for art. But art and creativity remains a cornerstone of what many of us believe our children should have access to. And that should not be limited to those who have artistic backgrounds.

When I looked for resources online, I couldn't quite find what I wanted. I was looking for resources that combined practical making, crafts and skill development with art history, thoughtfully chosen artworks and discussion prompts. So I decided to make my own resources, where every learning pack develops children's understanding of artists, techniques, materials and their own creative thinking. I wanted to create packs which were rich enough for children’s skills, knowledge and confidence to really improve, and flexible enough for a classroom, after school club or rainy afternoon at a kitchen table. 

Hands On Primary is my way of bringing together everything I have learnt as a primary school teacher, art specialist, learning designer and parent. I hope the resources make it easier for families to find time for creativity - with less time planning and more time doing together. And that whether independently or alongside others, children find their own voice within a rich history of mark making, ideas and creativity. 

From my kitchen table to yours, 

Fabienne 

Founder of Hands on Primary