Abrakadoodle to work magic on Destin kids

In our left-brain society, children are taught to be analytical thinkers and learn to do everything sequentially to succeed.

On the other hand, children are encouraged to take on right-brain role models, such as Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci, who are praised as great contributors to the world with their inventions and works of art.

To achieve a better balance, Erin Bakker, a second-grade teacher at Destin Elementary, has embarked on an entrepreneurial venture to help provide an outlet for creative education.

“I found Abrakadoodle, and our teaching philosophies meshed,” Bakker says.

Established in 2002, Abrakadoodle is a comprehensive art learning program for children, ages 20 months to 12 years old, that immerses young minds in activities such as painting, collage, sculpture and mosaic.

Children are given the opportunity to produce art with high quality materials and diligent instruction. The emphasis in Abrakadoodle programs is on the learning processes that are used.

“I think that what sets this apart is that children are going to walk out with knowledge, as well as a beautiful product,” Bakker says.

Mary C. Rogers, president and CEO of Abrakadoodle, said a child can learn how to share materials, and use paints and brushes. They will also improve skills regarding listening and gathering information, task completion, working cooperatively, experimenting and expressing creativity.

Bakker’s background in early childhood education and art history led her to teach after-school art classes in addition to her usual second-grade class. Inspired by her students’ love for art, Bakker has chosen to leave her full-time teaching position to start an Abrakadoodle franchise.

Bakker believes an Abrakadoodle program can supplement what is offered in public schools.

“Parents can expect high quality art instruction with high quality materials,” Bakker told The Log. Abrakadoodle partners with Crayola to provide materials to all their classes.

To introduce Abrakadoodle to the Destin community, Bakker is offering six sessions of Abrakadoodle Art Camp, each lasting one week, throughout the summer.

The themed camps — including Wild, Wild West, Pirate Island, Zoo Doodle Safari and Garden Safari — will begin June 23 at the Destin Community Center and be open to kids ages 3 to 12.

Each camper receives a T-shirt, Kamper Kit and their own framed artwork. Tuition for the camps costs between $150 and $175.

Registration for all sessions is now in progress and can be done online at www.abrakadoodle.com.

Bakker wants to emphasize to parents that what their children will come home with is a genuine work of art.

“But what is more important is the process and what they will learn.”