Created from a need for affordable and accessible support for teachers in non-core subjects such as art & design, music and languages; Kapow Primary is an online platform that provides schools with engaging lesson plans and CPD for teachers. In this blog post, we sit down with one of Kapow Primary's art specialists, Suzanne Booth, to delve into the significance of art in a child's education and how Kapow are working to make creativity accessible for all, with some creative ideas for the classroom sprinkled in along the way. 

Interview: Lucia Vinti in conversation with Suzanne Booth

We’re really pleased that Kapow Primary is taking part in The Big Draw Festival once again this year. Could you let us know a little about Kapow Primary and the work you do with them as one of their art specialists?

Kapow Primary helps schools and teachers to deliver exceptional lessons in specialist subjects. We’re committed to creating a diverse and well-rounded education for children, and we understand the challenges that schools face, such as time constraints and limited budgets. To address this, Kapow Primary offers lesson plans that are easy to navigate, paired with inbuilt continuous professional development (CPD) and pupil videos, enabling teachers to build their skills and knowledge while planning lessons.

I’m a content creator at Kapow Primary, and I plan and write Art & Design subject content. I used to be a primary school teacher and I’ve always been passionate about art and bringing creativity into the classroom. Before teaching, I worked in the creative industries as a textile designer, and I continue to work creatively in my spare time. I use these skills and experiences to create exciting and engaging art lessons, webinars and special content for events like The Big Draw! 

Here at The Big Draw, we’re passionate that art and other creative subjects should be given the time and funding they deserve at school. In your opinion, why is art such an important part of a child’s education?

Art and other creative subjects are such an essential part of a well-rounded education. These subjects are excellent for nurturing creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills and innovative thinking that can be used in almost any field. 

Creative studies also serve as a medium for self-expression and exploration, helping children understand themselves and the world and broaden their cultural awareness.  There are opportunities for collaborative learning,  enhancing social and communication skills, developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. I love how accessible art can be, particularly for children who may find core subjects more challenging but get a sense of achievement from creative subjects. 

[Art and other creative subjects] are excellent for nurturing creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills and innovative thinking that can be used in almost any field. 

Thinking long term in a child’s life, how can studying art and drawing at school aid their future studies and career?

The skills and experiences gained from art and drawing can have a far-reaching impact. Not only can they lead to specialised careers in the creative industries (a significant part of the UK economy), but they can also foster a curiosity that could encourage lifelong learning. 

Art can also be great for developing emotional resilience, transferable skills, cultural awareness and entrepreneurship, which can help pupils  navigate situations and challenges in their professional and personal lives in the future.

Do you have any advice for teachers who may be struggling with a lack of time/funding for planning and delivering art lessons at school? 

In an ideal world, it would be wonderful if art was taught weekly, but the reality is that many schools struggle to find time in the curriculum. There are ways to provide children with regular, rich art experiences without needing to build in significant time, such as short daily drawing activities during register time, art days or artist-led workshops. But these shouldn’t replace quality art lessons. 

Kapow Primary offers quality lesson plans and resources that can save time and inspire and engage the class. Our combined curriculum option provides a ready-made solution to delivering Art and Design & Technology alternately each half term. 

Art doesn’t have to be a budget guzzler, either. There are many creative ways to draw, including with tools made from found materials or objects. Consider reaching out to your local community: there may be wonderful local artists willing to donate materials (or time!) to inspire the next generation. And don’t forget your hardworking parent-teaching-association (PTA). Maybe they could help with a materials’ drive or a fundraiser for supplies?

What’s your favourite activity to do in the classroom, to get kids excited about drawing? 

Children (and teachers!) can have negative mindsets about drawing, and you might hear, ‘But I can’t draw!’ Everyone can make a mark, and that’s a great place to start!  

I love to get children enthusiastic about mark-making, recognising that drawing doesn't have to be about drawing with pencil and paper and creating a photographic representation of something. 

Try asking the children to make drawing tools! Objects like feathers, sticks, pine cones, cotton buds, and toothbrushes are fun to draw with. Give them the freedom to explore what marks these unusual tools can create. You can add extra challenges such as drawing with the wrong hand, drawing with both hands simultaneously, and drawing with your eyes closed – all help break down the barriers of what drawing is perceived to be and introduce some fun! 

 Everyone can make a mark, and that’s a great place to start!  

Which artist do you like teaching children about the most and why?

That’s a hard one! There are quite a few artists that I loved teaching children about, as it’s great to see their awe and wonder when looking at artwork and, equally, how it inspires them. The visual appeal of Vincent Van Gogh and his extraordinary use of colour, pattern, techniques, and the storytelling that comes with his work are always popular with children.  

My textile background means I’m drawn to artists working in this field, such as Faith Ringgold, Anni Albers and  Kaffe Fassett. I also really love teaching children about contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama, who pushed the boundaries of art (the Kapow Primary Big Draw Toolkit contains ideas for activities that incorporate her work and provide some beautiful interactive opportunities). 

And finally, we’re asking all our sponsor-partner organisations to tell us their favourite…

Taste? My morning tea! Which sets me up for the day.

Smell? I’ve always loved the smell of brand-new books, I’ve tried to read e-books, but nothing beats the real thing!

Sight? The sun glistening on the sea. I find being on the coast so inspiring. 

Feeling? Being a textile enthusiast, I love soft textural fabrics and sumptuous yarns.

Sound? In our busy digital lives, I love to just hear nothing but the natural world passing by.

Thank you Suzanne! Like what you've read? You can try a free trial of Kapow Primary here.

Interested in taking part in The Big Draw? Registrations for our 2023 festival 'Drawing with Senses' are still open! Find out the benefits of becoming an organiser here and about this years sense-sational theme here.