Arts class for children, after school activities

[TerezaL]

Hello,

I have two children, aged 9 and 6, and I would like them to go to an arts class. They don't speak any finnish yet, they will have it as a second language at school. I enquired about arts classes at Annantalo, the lady there was slightly discouraging, saying the teachers might not be happy about having to explain everything twice. I was wondering whether anyone would know of any arts class where they would accept english speaking children.

I found 2 english courses though at ARKKI, School of Architecture for Children and Youth, for 7-9 and 10-14 year olds: http://www.arkki.nu/index.php?page=main

Are there any other after scholl or weekend activities in english (eg dancing...)?

Tereza

[NaomiG]

The only art classes I've heard of are the ones run in the summer time by Emma/Wee Gee. In terms of other classes in English, I know that the Espoo School of Music has a new class in English (called Rhythm English I think), and check out Kidsfitness.fi which is a programme of gym, karate and other physical activity taught in English (Espoo and Helsinki locations). Not exactly what you're looking for, but in English at least! My son (much younger than your kids) attended a music class at the Conservatorio in Helsinki and the teacher was happy enough to translate for him from time to time...you might find other teachers willing to do the same. If you do find other classes in English, could you let me know... I'm always on the look out!!

[NaomiG]

Oh, just saw this link on another posting after replying...http://www.taideterapia.com/summer.html
Summer classes only but someone there might be able to give you another lead!

[mandiblues]

thanks am an englishman that stays in finland,
if you want me to becoming to your house to
teach them arts is okay by me
or if you want them to come
to my art class, mail me back
by,
mandi

[TerezaL]

Hello,

Thanks for your replies. I just signed them up for arts classes at Kaapelitehdas. They are regular Finnish courses, but the gentleman I spoke to was quite positive and said the teachers speak English. So, hopefuly, they won't be too cross with me

Tereza

[Bella]

Hi.
my daughters were to Käpylä for arts, and the teacher was very kind, she spoke English with them, and was after school til summer. And piano is the same in Käpylä and the teacher speaks only Englis with them. And in töölö there is gym for kids, and the teacher speaks both. My little daughter she doesn't speak any Finnish and from gym she learned to count in Finnish from 1 to 10. It's good for kids to be in a place where the teacher speaks both languages. They learn so fast.