Anna Birstein

Online lesson with a 5-year-old student: my demo, sketch, and his finished work : Alice in Wonderland, based on Russian cartoon

Two online sessions with my 5-year old student - two great stories’ illustrations created. The paint along method works well for all ages.

Exploring a new technique- pouring watercolors using masking fluid. My irst try ever: Sunny Afternoon in Sankt Petersburg #watercolorsketch

Dear parents, please pay attention to what your children might feel about the virus outbreak. I am an experienced teacher with a degree in educational psychology. At the initial stages of the virus outbreak, I observed reactions of several children ages 5 to 12. All children looked perplexed and scared, but they all expressed it differently. Some were even joking. The oldest were asking questions. The youngest were nonverbal about their fears; but their behavior showed that ...they were very stressed. Children are listening and trying to comprehend everything they are hearing around them. Please pay attention to what you are talking about in front of your children, and shield them from scary news on TV. Most importantly, TALK to them to give them the explanation, comfort, and reassurance to protect them from the two biggest fears, which may be already haunting them: fear to die and fear that their parents may die. Tell your children (and even your teenagers) that they and you will be OK, and that staying home is a very good and powerful thing to prevent new people from catching the virus. Moreover, please be calm yourself, because children not only listen, but also feel your emotions. Stay healthy, everyone!

A page from my sketchbook with exercises for my future class of watercolor for adults