For dyslexic individuals, especially, many of whom are often highly visual, visual thinking and artistic, expression can be critical to their living a balanced and productive life, as well as to succeeding academically. Art experiences/processes may also help other neuro-unique students learn and thrive in non-traditional, alternative ways. Task analysis is one of Frances’ specialties, that is, breaking complex processes down into single steps where students experience success at every juncture. This kind of systematic thinking can then be generalized to other kinds of learning and problem-solving, and is often helpful for special needs students who do not understand things in broad or typical ways. Through art making they can learn new approaches for analyzing, planning ahead, expressing themselves and building confidence. Additionally, Ms. Smokowski has had success using a variety of remedial methods for art education and visual literacy. These systems involve accuracy-increasing copying tasks and structured ways of inventing that have been known to improve pattern recognition for art making but also for reading and writing. Frances has had gifted students transcend early challenges and go on to be successful professional artists. She has also facilitated gratifying quality of life practices for very limited students suffering other kinds of non-abatable cognitive conditions. As a tutor, she can assist special needs students directly. As an adjunct professional in educational and mental health fields, she can aid parents or guardians in advocating for their children by building a portfolio of the child's art work, providing art-based assessments and making targeted recommendations that could assist the student's team to better understand/serve the student in school or in therapy. PLEASE NOTE: Frances cannot accommodate: ● oppositional-defiant behaviors or other patterns of non-compliance ● involuntary participation (cases in which the parents insist but the child does not want to participate) ● aggression, acting out, disrespectful or violent behavior in any form, including self-harm ● severe motoric impairment, as in CP & gross neurological disorders ● a need for assisted toileting ● profoundly limited intellectual functions ● ESL where the student cannot fully understand instructions in English ● thought disorders Other important information: ● Frances’ studio is not handicapped accessible at this time. ● In-home lessons are possible, when location and scheduling needs match logistics and availability. Currently there are a limited number of openings for students in Westchester, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. ● Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult during lessons, at home or in her Studio. Art lessons are not designed to be a form of childcare. For further information and to book a lesson, contact frances.smokowski@icloud.com or (301) 768-2284 |