School-Based Creative Arts and The Manitoba Framework for Learning

In this experiential training series, you will discover the benefits of the creative arts for school-aged learners and ways to bring The Manitoba Framework for Learning to life. Explore how creative self-expression and collaboration can be used to amplify hope, belonging, meaning and purpose, in and out of the classroom.

Weaving Western and Indigenous educational worldviews as in Two-Eyed Seeing, this training aligns with both Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With, and the Manitoba Global Competencies in Education: Creativity, Citizenship, Connection to Self, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication.

Bringing the arts into your classroom, resource, or counselling spaces offers students opportunities to:

Communicate and express themselves through diverse media,
Enhance self-awareness and self-regulation skills,
Amplify authentic engagement with curriculum,
Increase capacity for leadership, and
Collaborate creatively.

The activities and creative interventions you will learn are ones that anyone can do, regardless of artistic experience, and can be adapted for learners of various ages and abilities. The holistic approach focuses on “process over product” and “low-skill, high-sensitivity” to bring students into closer connection with self and other. Coaching around developing lesson plans will be included, and you will be able to use these activities in your classroom right away.

Teachers, educational assistants, counsellors, resource teachers, and administrators will gain valuable tools and experience to enhance classroom success and wellbeing in new and playful ways using music, movement, sensory-based play, drama, poetry, mindfulness, film and visual art from a Creative and Expressive Arts Lens. Many of the activities are centred around relationships with nature and place, for enhanced ecological awareness and engagement.

The program has 3 tiers:

Introductory Workshops (Spring term, 9 hours)
School-Based Creative Arts Professional Development (Fall term, 26 hours)
School-Based Creative Arts Certificate (Winter – Summer terms, 176 hours)

Tiers 2 and 3 together comprise the full 200-hour School-Based Creative Arts Certificate. Participants who complete the three Introductory Workshops in the spring term may ladder into the certificate and receive a discount equivalent to the workshop fees on their tuition. If a participant cannot attend a specific workshop or course, it may be substituted with any other certificate course offered by WHEAT, provided the course is running.

The 200-hour School-Based Creative Arts Certificate aligns with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association’s (IEATA) requirement for Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator (REACE) and the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association’s (OEATA) requirement for Expressive Arts Practitioner. The certificate includes practice sessions and consultation with WHEAT faculty to directly support you and your team in integrating what you have learned into your school or classroom.

Tier 1. Introductory Workshops

Spring term, three 3-hour evenings

In the three spring Introductory Workshops, you will learn playful, mindful, and practical arts-based techniques that can be applied across curriculum for various age levels. These techniques will enhance students’ readiness and capacity to learn, while helping them feel safe and supported at school.

Each workshop includes a warm-up that leads into the main activity and extended applications, followed by a group collaboration to practice, enhance and integrate your learning. These workshops are family-friendly and offered online. Feel free to invite friends and family members to participate with you.

Tier 2. School-Based Creative Arts Professional Development

Fall term, four six-hour Saturdays

Tier 3. School-Based Creative Arts Certificate

Winter – Summer terms, once-weekly evenings, plus one Saturday a month

A full brochure with the schedule and course descriptions is available upon request.

Contact WHEAT Institute at info@wheatinstitute.com or register here.

Admission Requirements

The School Based Creative Arts offerings are designed for school-based teams including classroom teachers, educational assistants, student services teachers, administration, and clinicians.

• We are open to creating a schedule that meets the needs of your school
• Online or in-person as designated
• Individual and School Team rates are available

Application Process

Participate as an individual, school-based team, divisional team, or inter-divisional team. We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis.

All participants will be asked to submit a written application statement, resume, and an art portfolio.

Current Fees

There is no GST on any of our fees or tuition. All fees are listed in Canadian (CAD) dollars. Training is tax deductible, see more information here.

Introductory Workshop Rate

$99.00 CAD per 3-hour workshop

Participants who complete the three Introductory Workshops in the spring term may ladder into the certificate and receive a discount equivalent to the workshop fees on their tuition.

School Team Rate (unlimited number of participants within the school)

$9,800.00 CAD per school for the 200-hour School-Based Creative Arts Certificate

Full Individual Rate

$4,900.00 CAD per participant for the 200-hour School-Based Creative Arts Certificate

Additional Fees for Individual Participants:

$100.00 CAD – Non-refundable Registration Fee
$100.00 CAD – Non-refundable Supply Fee

WHEAT Institute and Painted Sky Studio are located on Treaty Territories and Ancestral Lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and respect the spirit and intent of the Treaties and Treaty Making. We dedicate ourselves to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.