Current Issue - Creative Lives

Feature Stories

Drama Matters

Deb Hunt explores how involvement in theatre and youth arts can make a big difference in young people's lives.

"Are you trying to raise well-adjusted children? Do you hope they'll grow to be self-confident, motivated and happy to voice their opinions? Are you keen for them to collaborate with others? Then put away the parenting books and head to the theatre.

"Evidence suggests involvement in drama and youth arts makes a big difference to the lives of children and young adults. It equips them with greater skills in literacy, self-expression and problem-solving, and provides emotional and creative tools that can help them cope better in later years. And let's face it, we could all do with a helping hand when it comes to "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune". ..."

Toys For All

With a variety of resources aimed at children's different developmental stages, toy libraries offer lots of fun at little cost, writes Anlina Jones, president of Toy Libraries Australia.

"Play is nature's way of making learning fun for children, so it follows that toys are the tools of the trade. But which toys are right, and how do you keep up with children's rapid rates of development and forever-changing interests? Quality toys are expensive, and children quickly become bored with them once their play value has been exhausted. Perhaps it's time to join a toy library. ..."

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Your Stories

Cutting Remarks

Gemma Hawdon is exasperated that some of her children's teachers have not learnt the art of encouraging creativity.

"My seven-year-old daughter has always enjoyed crazy art projects. Whether decorating our driveway in chalk, pouring syrup faces over her pancakes or making paper airplanes from our unpaid bills, she embraces creativity with wide, excited eyes.

"So imagine my surprise when she slunk into the kitchen one morning, complaining she had art at school that day. "But you love art," I said. "Not with Ms Phillips," she replied, curling her lip at the very mention of the name. ..."

Celebration Preparation

Vivienne Pearson resolves to learn from experience and hold a hearty party, free from stress.

"I don't have the energy or vanity to run a perfect children's party, but what I do aspire to is hosting one that's stress free. I don't mean just the party itself; after all, most last a mere two hours. It's the preparation, which can take weeks and get very intense in the final days. For me, a stress-free party starts at the initial idea and ends with the clean-up afterwards.

"I know it's a big call. But something has to change, since my track record is not good. My announcement of my intention to run a stress-free party was met with scoffs from my husband and a declaration from my sister that it's "impossible". Recalling previous parties, I can understand their reactions. ..."

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Special Series

Special Series – D3: Diversity, Difference & Diagnosis

Dancing With Joy

After years of not fitting in, Brooke Lumsden's son finally finds his feet.

"Entering the hall, I look around for signs of reassurance. There are only a few children – an upper-primary-age boy practising his spotting, a confident teenager full of rhythm who kicks up his skateboard before stepping into an arabesque, and three young bundles of energy too busy sliding around to fall in line and start their stretches. We are taking our first step into the world of ballet for boys. ..."

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Reviews

Book Reviews

This month, David Witt reviews:

The Dark written by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Starring Jules (as Herself) written by Beth Ain, illustrated by Anne Keenan Higgins.

And Veronicah Larkin reviews:

Don't let a Spoonbill in the kitchen! written and illustrated by Narelle Oliver.

Let's Go to Sleep written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Michelle Dawson.

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Regulars

Family Calendar

You can access our online calendar, which is full of wonderful activities and events for families occurring in Perth in May.

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