Work experience 11th April 2010. 1pm-4pm

My work placement had finally come around , so today was the day i would be helping Vicky Nagy with her children's party.

So at 1pm after being kitted out in my pirate gear to fit James 4th pirate birthday party we set up the venue.

Whilst setting up we thought about places we could arrange the face paints, the pirate treasure and how to arrange the arts and crafts activates in the middle of the room. I made sure all activities were accessible and inviting for the children.

Setting up also included finding plugs for the ipod dock and CD player, and liaising with parents to discuss how the party would run.

I encountered many new social situations which i found initially hard to deal with , i had to except that not all the children would be open to having their face painted and therefore did not force anyone to have one, i also learnt that the children need alot of attention , praise and energy!

Initially i felt nervous, as Vicky is confident with children and i have not had much prior experience in teaching or facilitating workshops to children of that age, i went to the party with these aims and objectives in mind.

Aims and Objectives:

Aim: To help facilitate games and exercises for young children in a fun and exciting way, learning suitable disciplinary methods. 
  
Objectives:

• Create fun activities for the children which are well thought and organised                  
• Make children and parents feel welcome by introducing them to myself and the space                 
• Get the children to join in games by supporting and reassuring them
• Praise the children when they complete exercises and be firm but not intimidating when they are not listening to instructions

Vicky hosted the games and i supported her in this. I understood that being my first time my responsibilities would be minimal and Vicky needed to ensure they party ran smoothly and successfully as this is her own business.

I made sure all equipment needed was in place for games and remembered children's names she had forgotten (there was 24 children!)  I also made sure the children were safe and not feeling left out of the fun!

Things i have learnt:

1. How to run my own business and take into consideration tax/money etc - I discussed this with Vicky and asked her how easy or hard running and up keeping your own business is!
2. How to interact with young children- I learnt that i can speak to them on my level and not patronise them by speaking in a 'baby voice.' I also learnt how to get the children to pay attention, and join in with games in a friendly and non intimidating way.
3. How to liaise with customers/clients on a professional level which is friendly and approachable.
4. Alot of time preparation is needed to run quality workshops for children , Vicky supplied her own balloons, arts and crafts materials, face paints, music, prizes, party bags and presents for the birthday boy.

I feel i have achieved my aim , i helped facilitate games and exercises but would like to be more actively involved in the future and now feel more comfortable both around children and dealing with social situations praising/disciplinary.


I can honestly say i enjoyed the experience and would love to help out again and perhaps next time take more of a leadership role as i now have experienced how to deal with children and parents. I am looking into developing my own skills as a performer learning how to perform magic tricks, making balloon animals and  Face Painting professionally.

Just a few pictures from the party!