Quiet Creations: A Look Back at our Summer Activities for Kids in Cornwall

This summer, we introduced something new for quieter children in Cornwall: Quiet Creations, a series of free clay workshops designed with care and intention. Far from being just another holiday activity, these workshops were carefully shaped by facilitators Emma Saffy Wilson and Owen Skerritt to be safe, calming spaces where children could express themselves at their own pace.

Everything was considered; from choosing small, welcoming venues to offering gentle introductions, from checking in about sound sensitivities before using tools, to balancing guided activities with freedom to experiment. Families were included too, with parents and siblings sometimes taking part in ways that added to the warmth without overwhelming the group.

Finding calm in creativity

For many children, walking into a new group felt daunting. Some arrived nervous, some whispered only through their parent at first, and others took a little time before they felt ready to join in. But with clay in their hands, something softened.

They rolled textures, pressed patterns into clay, made bowls, plates, and sculptures. There was space to quietly focus, and moments of laughter when games like clay Pictionary brought everyone together.

One child reflected afterwards: “I loved absolutely everything – the people, the room, the calmness. It really helped me relax.”

When asked what they enjoyed most, children often spoke about the making itself: “Making my clay sword.” and “I enjoyed making a plate and a bowl.” These comments show just how much the creative process itself mattered to them; not performance or pressure, but simply making something of their own.

Gentle moments of courage

Courage came in many forms. For one child it was asking another if they could be friends. For another, it was returning after a moment of upset and joining back in. A child who had been very hesitant in an earlier session came back the following week, and this time showed new independence, even helping peers with practical things like finding the sink.
Parents noticed these moments too. One told us: “She started out whispering through me, but by the end she was laughing along with the group.” Another said: “It’s wonderful to see a space where quiet children can relax and just be themselves.”

What we learned from this pilot

The workshops reinforced much of what we know about supporting quieter children, and also offered some new insights that will guide what we do next:

• Small groups feel safest. One girl told us that even slightly older children could feel intimidating to her. She suggested that around five or six participants would feel just right
• Siblings can be supportive. In some cases, the presence of a brother or sister helped children feel more comfortable and added to the sense of ease in the room.
• Sound sensitivities need attention. Several children spoke about disliking loud noises such as hand dryers or hairdryers. By checking in before using equipment like a heat gun, we helped them feel included and safe.
• Some children need more structure. While some groups happily experimented, others found more confidence when activities were broken down step by step. Flexibility was key.
• Silence can be a sign of comfort. Facilitators reflected that silence didn’t always mean a child was disengaged. Sometimes it showed they were content. Learning to be comfortable with silence was part of holding the space well.

What parents and children appreciated

What stayed with us most were the ways children and parents described how the workshops felt. Children spoke with pride about the pieces they made, and several told us they wanted to come back again. Parents shared how their children seemed more relaxed than they had expected, and how unusual it was to find a holiday activity where quieter children could simply be themselves. One parent reflected, “It’s rare to find activities that really suit quieter children. This felt like a proper fit.” Another told us, “She loved it. It was calm and creative, and she came away so proud.”

Looking ahead

Quiet Creations was a pilot. Its purpose was to learn, adapt and grow, and it has already shown us the importance of small groups, gentle rhythms, and creative freedom. It highlighted how children’s quietest steps are often their bravest, and how much families value spaces where quietness is not only accepted, but celebrated.

Our hope is to continue shaping opportunities like this. To keep creating spaces where quieter children can explore, connect, and discover that their quiet nature is welcome.

Because every child deserves to leave saying: “This made me happy. I want to come back.”

We’d love to hear from you as we plan what comes next. Would your child enjoy more art workshops, or something musical, playful, or outdoorsy? Perhaps a space for parents and children together, or maybe just for the children? Your thoughts will help us shape future Quiet Creations in ways that feel right for your family. Please share your ideas with us here.