Creative Workshops for Kids
Music of the Plants:
Wildflowers and Trees
through the Arts
Marina is a Heritage in Schools expert and can be booked for a workshop about Music of the Plants and Wildflowers and Trees Through the Arts, as well as Forest School sessions.
Number of Primary School Children Engaged in Creative Workshops as of
May 2024:
7,316
"Guardians of the Well"
a short film made by Marina Levitina & the pupils of
Uaghtar Ard National School, Co Galway,
(Artist in Schools project, 2016)
Native Irish Wildflowers & Trees Through the Arts are a series of creative workshops that give children an opportunity to explore and learn about Ireland's wild native plants through a variety of artistic media in a fun, exciting, and innovative way.
The workshops include storytelling, drawing, film, music, making herbal oils and infusions, and other fun activities that help foster creativity and imagination, while teaching children about Ireland’s biodiversity.
Each workshop focuses on a particular plant or tree. Examples include Meadowsweet, Hawthorn, Dandelion, Oak, Elder, Angelica, Blackberry, Dogrose, Plantain, among others.
During the workshops, children experience the Music of the Plants, a biofeedback device where electromagnetic impulses from plants are transferred via a sound card into audible sound.
Age group: The workshops are best suited to ages 5 - 12.
The workshops address the Arts in Education and Environmental Awareness and Care parts of the curriculum.
Marina is a Heritage in Schools specialist and can be booked via the Heritage Council's Heritage in Schools programme to come to a primary school.
TESTIMONIALS:
'Marina's dedication, love and knowledge of nature and her personality made this a very successful experience for my class and a wonderful memory for all of us.'
Geraldine Power, Senior Infants Teacher,
Oughterard national school, Co. Galway
***
'The children of Galway Steiner NS were inspired by Marina’s workshops. She is passionate and is able to share her knowledge in a fun and creative way. Marina has a wonderful way with children and she kept them engaged at all times with a wide variety of activities. Children were fascinated to learn all about the native plants and trees, how plants can sing, and they were proud as punch to create their own books in the end.'
Shane O'Connell, Principal, Galway Steiner National School
***
'The project opened our eyes to the wonders around us and we now know there’s more to our plants than meets the eye... We loved learning about the mythology around our native plants as well as the science and nature. The children were really interested in the medicinal aspects of the plants and enjoyed brewing tea and making home remedies.'
Anne Marie Griffin, 4th class teacher, Renmore National School, Galway
***
'Marina facilitated some fantastic workshops in our school. Her set-up was very effective. The children sat in a circle around a green cloth with the dandelion plant in the centre around which photographs and products of the plant were displayed. Marina gave a whiteboard presentation during which the children shared their knowledge of wild plants and trees. There was also story time, drawing and a chance to hear the plant 'sing'. Each child got a chance to communicate with the plant. The workshop was engaging, enjoyable and informative. It appealed to all learning styles. Highly recommended!'
Olivia Lynch, 1st class teacher, Scoil San Phroinsias, Galway
***
'Thanks for coming to the school, the children were enthralled by the folklore and information about the oak tree. It has totally changed the way the children interact with nature. We loved the workshop and wish you could come to our school every year. A million thanks, Aoife'
Aoife Dring, Primary School Teacher, Galway Educate Together
***
'Children were really engaged at all times - great variety of activities to keep children engaged. Marina spent just enough time on each activity so that the children did not become bored. Everyone learned something new.'
Susan Finn, Junior Infants Teacher, GETNS
***
'A really enjoyable workshop that was age appropriate. Marina kept the children engaged with activities and stories and also knew when children needed movement breaks. A lovely learning experience.'
Eavan Flanagan, Senior Infants Teacher, GETNS
***
'Marina, Thank you so much for your insightful workshop. Your passion for nature was inspirational for our pupils, along with your patience and kindness. Best wishes, Kilroe NS."
Here is a short video
we made with the students of Cloughanover national school, as part of the Artist in Schools Project in 2017...
Schools visited:
Oughterard NS
Tirrellan Heights NS
Galway Steiner NS
Feakle NS
Renmore Junior NS
Renmore Senior NS
Galway Educate Together National School
Claregalway Educate Together National School
Claddagh NS
Scoil Bhríde NS
Flagmount NS
Claran NS
Cloughanover NS
Kilroe NS
Kilcoona NS
Headford NS
and many more