The Makers Club: Hands-On Learning Series for Kids

Join the American Center in Moscow for The Makers Club, a free, 10-part virtual workshop series designed for children ages 6-10 to explore creativity, learn new skills, and make something of their own!

Every Tuesday from 18:00-19:00 MSK, young learners are invited to participate in interactive, hands-on workshops led by American guest instructors. From arts and crafts to science experiments, movement, and more, each session will introduce a new activity that children can follow along with from home.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice their English, discover new interests, and develop creative skills in an engaging and supportive environment.

Workshop Schedule:

November 17 – Make Some Noise! Easy Breakdance Moves That Will Impress

Discover the art of breakdancing in this fun, interactive workshop! Participants will learn beginner-friendly moves that focus on creativity, movement, and technique rather than strength or athletic ability.

No materials or previous dance experience is required.

About the Instructor: Lev Bobisch is a breakdance coach and member of IS Nordside Crew with over 25 years of teaching experience. He has trained hundreds of students, including internationally successful dancers, and combines technical instruction with an emphasis on creativity, individuality, and developing a personal style.

November 24 –  Create Your Own Storybook!

Bring your imagination to life by creating your own storybook! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how to develop an idea, illustrate a story, and share their creation with a first reader. No previous drawing or artistic experience is required.

Materials Needed: A notebook and pencils or crayons.

About the Instructor: Taya Golovanova is an artist, illustrator, and art teacher with over 20 years of experience. Her work spans a variety of artistic techniques, from large-scale spray-painted artwork to imaginative miniature worlds that combine photographs of everyday surroundings with fictional characters. Through her teaching, she encourages students to explore their creativity and develop their own artistic ideas.

December 1 – The Art of Paper: Origami for Kids 

Discover the Japanese art of origami in this interactive workshop for children and parents! Led by origami instructor Michiko Okuma, participants will learn how to transform simple sheets of paper into creative designs through folding techniques. Children will create three beginner-friendly origami projects, while parents will have the opportunity to try three additional designs. No previous origami experience is required.

Materials Needed:

• 10 sheets of square origami paper (15 × 15 cm recommended), preferably in assorted colors

• Additional sheets of paper for practicing

• A flat surface for folding

• Optional: Colored pencils or markers for decorating finished creations

About the Instructor: Michiko Okuma is an origami instructor based in Washington, DC Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she moved to the United States in 2017. Since then, she has shared her passion for origami by volunteering at local Japanese cultural festivals and teaching elementary school students in after-school programs. She enjoys creating decorative origami projects, including seasonal wreaths and flowers, and introducing beginners to the art of paper folding.

December 8 – The Gingerbread Boy: Storytelling Through Shadow Puppets

Explore the art of puppetry and storytelling in this interactive workshop! Led by the Center for Puppetry Arts, participants will discover how different cultures tell their own versions of The Gingerbread Boy, learn how shadow puppets work, and watch a colorful shadow puppet performance. Children will also create their own Gingerbread Boy shadow puppet to bring the story to life.

Materials Needed: To be confirmed.

About the Instructor:  Sara Burmensko represents the Center for Puppetry Arts, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to the art of puppetry through performances, educational programs, and museum exhibitions. The Center introduces audiences of all ages to puppetry traditions from around the world through creative, hands-on learning experiences.

December 15 – To Be Announced

December 22 – Cards That Connect: Holiday & New Year’s Cards (Tentative)

December 29 – Sewing Workshop (Tentative)

January 5 – Mindful Makers: Movement, Breathing & Creativity (Tentative)

January 12 – To Be Announced

January 19 – To Be Announced

Each 60-minute workshop will be led by an English-speaking guest instructor who will guide children through a creative project or activity. Participants will be encouraged to follow along, ask questions, and practice their English throughout the session.

Materials & Registration

Some workshops will require basic materials that can be found at home or purchased in advance. We ask parents to register their children at least one week before each session so that a materials list and any necessary instructions can be emailed ahead of time.

All workshops will take place in a private Zoom meeting, allowing children to interact directly with the instructor and participate in the activities.

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ALL AMERICAN CENTER IN MOSCOW EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE / ВСЕ МЕРОПРИЯТИЯ АМЕРИКАНСКОГО ЦЕНТРА В МОСКВЕ БЕСПЛАТНЫ

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These sessions are hosted on Zoom, so if you are interested in joining, please create a Zoom account beforehand. When registering below, please submit your valid email address to receive a link to the Zoom meeting 30 minutes before the session begins.

To join other AMC Online programs, please check the American Center’s TimePad  calendar.