The Atelier’s Mission

The Grateful Dandelion Atelier art and yoga studio is a place for children and families to discover diverse experiences to connect to their personal creativity, power and serenity, while creating deep connections with nature and our community.

   

Who do we support?  

    -Children, ages 3.5+, who deserve to explore many forms of expression and to connect to mindfulness and movement techniques to enrich and empower their lives.    

-Stay at home parents who want to offer their children new experiences, without having to place their children in school full time 

 -Homeschooling families who want to offer diverse exploration and learning for their children

-Parents who need a self-care moment(or two) and want to know their child is having an enriching time away from them

-Parents who would like to create one on one time with a child, by sending the other child for an enriching morning 

             

What’s the name all about?  

I chose the name The Grateful Dandelion Atelier for many reasons.  Out of all the meaningful words out there, I feel strongly that gratitude is one quality that makes for a positive person.  With gratitude, we bring so much to everyone we interact with.

I also wanted to incorporate nature in the name, and of all the plants I love, I chose the dandelion for it’s resilience, ability to grow almost anywhere and the fact that it sends it seeds out into the world on the wind.  Dandelion’s seeds blowing remind me of the love that radiates outward from children’s smiles!  

Atelier (loosely translated to studio or workshop) is from the Reggio teaching philosophy which I have been trained in where the studio is the heart of the school- both physically and metaphorically.  Teachers and children use this space as a resource and a base to wonder, create and add to all of their work.

  

    

About your teacher- Jennifer Takahashi

I am a veteran teacher and artist who works with many media: Fibre, silk, silver and mixed media.  I love figuring out how to make things, and combining colour and textureas a way to relax and unwind while creating.  I love reading, travel, ocean walks, collecting fallen treasures, reading inspirational quotes, and have found so much rejuvenation through many forms of yoga. 

To follow my work as an artist: check out 

palmsprout on facebook

jenniferpalmsprout on Instagram

palmsprout.etsy.com

I have been lucky to learn from so many beautiful mentors over the years.  It is with gratitude that I pass on these skills to others! I hope the children who come to The Grateful Dandelion Atelier will grow and pass their passions on to others, completing this beautiful cycle of life.

My teaching philosophy:
After teaching young children, ages newborn to 18, for over 25 years, I feel strongly that rich 
creative experiences are the right of all children.


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* Humans deserve the opportunity to express themselves more thoroughly by exploring multiple materials and modalities  

*When we relax and connect, to ourselves and others, creativity and understanding flows

*Small group settings  are memorable, enriching and foster deep connection 

*A consistent connection to nature fosters creativity and mindfulness

*Children deserve the best society has to offer, and I strive to curate this space and the classes with this in mind     

I was able to work and study at a Reggio inspired schools here in the US and also to  experience a learning tour of the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where they created a  philosophy that deeply resonates with me.   I have combined my teaching experience, connection with nature and yoga training to create unique experiences for children ages 3.5-12. 

My professional background includes:
BA degree in Child and Adolescent Behavior, San Franciscan State University
Over 30 units of Child Development courses
I Presented at the National teaching conference, NAEYC, in Washington D.C.
I Participated in learning tours in St. Louis, Missouri, Phoenix, Arizona, Washington D. C., Portland Oregon, Chicago, Illinois, Toronto, Canada, Reggio Emilia,  Italy
California Mentor Teacher
Trained in Nonviolent Communication and Positive Discipline
Next Generation Yoga Graduate- kids yoga
Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance
Yin Yoga Certification, Prana Yoga