“Let life be your playground”. Clown Class is presented by veteran clown Dingle Fingle aka Stephen James Grindle or ‘Steve the Clown’ as he is none to his students.
Many of the students Stephen has worked with have severe autism, learning disabilities, epilepsy, behavioural problems, communication difficulties, sensory impairments and may exhibit challenging behavioural activities if frightened or confused.
From his experience in this field he has developed as system of teaching children with learning difficulties that involves around action, reaction, improvisation and reward.
Using pure clown, clowning skills, mime, magic, physical theatre, improvisation and expressive therapy the students are encouraged to interact playfully, join in, learn and have fun.
The primary feature of the Clown Class is in the art of living and being in the now like there is no yesterday and no tomorrow..
Students join in, often steering the class and its activities, so what happens depends on the moment. With these moments the clown acts on what his feelings tell him to do and shares this with his audience with humorous interpretation. The clown is pure, unconcerned and unprejudiced, always paying attention to both individuals and the group as a whole whilst orchestrating the class and putting humour into whatever happens.
‘Organic Humour’ as Stephen calls it!
Every class is treated as a learning experience for everybody. There is no right or wrong. No class is ever the same.
Benefits include:
- Empathy and understanding of each other abilities and qualities
- Improvements; balance and hand-eye coordiation
- Increased sensory acuity
- Sensorial stimulation and tenderness
- Being in the moment. Now!
- Learning different tricks and skills
- Energy through humour and laughter
- Released stress
- Heart to heart communication
- Engagement of empathy to others
- Instills confidence
Testimonials:
Stephen Mortimer, Head of Care, MacIntyre School
Gaye Beattie Mencap Leighton Buzzard:
What do the staff at MacIntyre say:
~ Great Atmosphere!
~ Good Fun!
~ No barriers all equals
~ Fun & Joyful!
~ Tailor made for the individual, which helps that person achieve their
potential in a relaxed & fun manner
~ An enrichment of people’s lives
~ No other activity compares in stimulating the children so much
Academy of Fun brings an opportunity for everyone to expand potential, gain confidence, self awareness and communication through interactive ‘clown learning’ sessions
(sign up and we will let you know when and where the next class wil be)