At Able to Serve, we believe learning can happen in many different ways. Sometimes, the best opportunities come through creativity, hands-on experiences, and the chance to try something new.
Throughout August, our participants took part in Creative Class, exploring Photography, Rhythmic Movement, Woodworking, and Crochet. While each class was different, they all provided opportunities for participants to develop new skills while working toward their individual learning goals.
Through Photography, participants practiced observation and visual communication as they learned to use a camera and capture what interested them. Rhythmic Movement encouraged coordination, following directions, body awareness, and self-expression. In Woodworking, participants practiced patience, problem-solving, focus, fine motor skills, and following steps to create a birdhouse. Crochet provided opportunities to strengthen concentration, patience, and fine motor skills while learning a new craft. They specifically worked on bracelets and rings.
Creative Class also gave participants the opportunity to work alongside one another and encourage each other. Learning in a group setting allowed participants to practice communication, take turns, ask for help, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. These everyday interactions are an important part of building independence and meaningful relationships.
More than simply creating something, these classes encouraged participants to try, practice, and persevere. For some participants, the classes meant trying an activity they had never done before. For others, it meant continuing to practice a skill they were already developing. No matter where they started, each participant had the opportunity to work at their own pace and experience the satisfaction of completing something they had worked hard on.
Each project provided a chance to make choices, solve problems, and see their efforts turn into something they could be proud of.
Karla, a participant in the Photography Class, said her experience was very positive.
Karla elaborated:
“I really enjoyed learning about different cameras and settings that she didn’t know about before. I liked creating View Finders to help our focus and to take better images”.
Her instructor, Caitlyn, elaborated that View Finders (Rule of Thirds) are to enforce composition.
Caitlyn also enjoyed teaching this Creative Class. She commented:
“My favorite part of the Photography Creative Class was seeing their excitement and diligently working on their photography skills. And also implementing what they practiced, in particular seeing them take pictures of friends and use different camera accessories”.
Creative Class is one example of how we can incorporate learning goals into activities that are engaging and meaningful for our participants. We are proud to provide opportunities where adults with disabilities can explore their interests, discover their God-given gifts, and continue developing the skills they use every day.
We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm our participants showed throughout August. It was a joy to watch them try new things, encourage one another, and discover just how much they can accomplish!
