Eagan Art House Preschool Program

Good morning!

As you probably already noticed, over the last few days Maria Makes Muffins got a facelift! Allan and I have been hard at work implementing and customizing the Genesis Framework and Foodie Pro child theme. Please click around and leave a comment about the new experience.

As you may have gathered from my Instagram posts for the last couple months, Matthew (who is 4) has been attending preschool classes at the Eagan Art House. We decided that instead of enrolling him in a traditional preschool program this year, we are going to focus on spending time as a family and having thoughtful experiences that challenge and grow his interests and strengths.

One year ago Matthew was taking an art class through Minneapolis Parks and Rec. For some reason, as the result of that class he stopped writing and drawing completely. He loved to paint, but refused to draw, after spending most of his toddlerhood drawing at every given opportunity. To this day, I have no clue what happened that caused him to stop drawing.

As you know, we recently moved to Eagan, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Much to many people’s surprise, Eagan has a vibrant art scene, anchored by the Eagan Art House. This Spring I looked into preschool class options for Matthew and found a Pint-Sized Picasso class at the Eagan Art House taught by Cindy Olson. Matthew was not yet 4 years old, but would turn 4 during the class. Julie, the Eagan Art House director, made an exception and let him take the class. Even though he was the youngest child in the class, he blossomed. The first day he brought home several DRAWINGS and since that class he has not stopped drawing.

He makes art every single day – usually multiple times per day. Matthew began to show a huge interest in learning to write and can now write his name, my name and Mom without prompting. He can also write any letter/word as long as it is spelled out loud to him. In addition, we have seen huge improvements in Matthew’s attitude, as he has found the perfect release for his big feelings.

Matthew absolutely adores his time at the Eagan Art House and asks several times per week when he is going back. Unfortunately with the popularity of full day kindergarten in ours and neighboring school districts the Eagan Art House Preschool program is not as popular as it was last year. Matthew is the only preschooler that is enrolled in the class that starts next week.

Our experience with both the curriculum and teachers has been top-notch. Matthew is given creative license in challenging, yet rewarding projects. After spending time at the Eagan Art House he comes home with a calmed spirit, inspired to keep creating. Teacher Cindy, who is leading the program this Fall, is patient and engaging. You can tell that she really cares about helping the young artists in her classes. She even took Matthew’s Pint Sized Picassos class on a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art this Spring.

If you haven’t quite figured out your preschool plans, are enrolled in a part-time preschool program or your child loves art, I would strongly suggest you take a look at programming at the Eagan Art House. You can sign up your Preschooler for classes online or by phone (651-675-5500).

Also, if you are an artist, join me at the Tuesday morning painting class! I would love to see you there.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Maria