Q Classes

Storytelling is important for people of all ages because it allows for a valuable way to share common experiences and provide opportunities for learning in one’s everyday life. Storytelling helps us all come together.   This class will explore the 5 C’s of storytelling – circumstance, curiosity, characters, conversations, and conflicts.  We will be developing oral storytelling skills as well as written, and illustrated stories.

While play seems natural for kids, it is not always the case.  Things change very quickly and often in a seemingly chaotic way.  It involves complicated social interaction, both verbally and non-verbally.  Playing also requires compromise that doesn’t always seem “fair”.  This is where gaming comes in. Games have a predictable progression.  Games can be inviting to kids that have difficulty with play because they allow for an opportunity to socialize within a structure of rules.  This class will explore familiar games which will lead to the creation of a game(s).  The type of game(s) is open.  It can be physical, board and/or a card game.  The goal is to use a model that then helps students connect to their own creativity, to create and teach their own games.

When students take the time to observe and document their observations, they get the chance to catch the details and see what might happen next or what is happening right in front of them.  We use drawing, physical observations of the natural world, opportunities to document using specific word choices, experiments and much more to develop observation skills, perspective and the specificity of words in order to grow student’s communication skills and their positive sense of adventure in new situations.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as the old saying goes.  This can be particularly valuable for kids who have difficulty communicating about themselves, thoughts and/or feelings. Photography allows them to express themselves creatively and bring out their artistic skills. It can also help kids learn to see the world in their own way as they start to notice details and compositions that others may not see.  One example is when observing a nature scene.  While some might be interested in the scene as a whole – others may be more interested in specific details like a rock or a patch of moss.  Creativity and personal perspective are valued and empowered.  Photography, like all arts, is a safe way to take risks.  There is no right answer, thus it can be comforting for kids who have a fear of being wrong or a desire to always be right.  This class will explore perspective and non-verbal communication.

Painting Lessons are fully customizable, one-on-one or small group art classes open to students of all skill levels. Students will work with a teaching artist to develop a curriculum that matches the skill level and interest of participants in Watercolor and/or Acrylic painting techniques.

Private lessons take place at the Q StudioLab on 42nd Street.

There are many directions that children are pulled in a day, both with school assignments and with afterschool classes or clubs.  Many students start to feel overwhelmed and incapable and then begin to manifest this way at school or in other classes or life circumstances.

This class meets once per week to help students learn how to both be and feel organized. Give your child a class that will help all of you this fall! When a child feels like they can see it all and build a habit of organization in themselves and in everything – from their backpack to their planners – they walk through the world differently.

Due to COVID and the times we live in, children in 4th-8th grade have not been given as many opportunities to learn how to participate in real conversations that build new relationships, whether with adults (including teachers) or with peers.   In this class, students are given a safe space to ask questions about social rules in conversation and learn how to participate in conversations both with adults and with other kids.  Children learn how to start a new conversation, enter into conversations, and approach someone they do not know safely and also with confidence.  Children are given strategies in how to approach conflicts with friends or peers, how to address difficulties with teachers, and how to manage when others disagree or when they are being given constructive criticism by a teacher or adult.  With so many children interacting through media, whether that be social media or email or text, it can be hard for them to know what to do face to face. This class will give them tools for their life toolbox.

Private lessons on Drums, Piano, Guitar or Saxophone available on Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm. Please reach out to admin@theqstudiolab.com if you would like to discuss scheduling lessons on other days of the week.