ArtDad & Preschool of Business: A Creative Collaboration in Learning Through Play
ArtDad & Preschool of Business: A Creative Collaboration in Learning Through Play
At Preschool of Business, we're excited to share an innovative new project created by Ade Gee and his team at Plumfool, an inspiring collective of educators and artists. His latest endeavor, ArtDad, is a collaboration that brings to life the characters of Preschool of Business: Beach Ball, Bear, Block, and Crayon. Together, these characters help young children learn valuable skills in an engaging, playful way that fosters creativity, self-expression, and social growth. Together, these characters help young children learn valuable skills in an engaging, playful way that fosters creativity, self-expression, and social growth.
How ArtDad Began: A Shift from Music to Teaching
Before becoming a teacher, Gee worked in the music industry with prominent artists. But as he observed the negative influences in some aspects of the industry, he felt called to shift his focus toward positively impacting children. With a family legacy rooted in education, Gee knew he wanted to use his talents to inspire young minds.
“I wanted to be a positive influence in the lives of youth,” Gee shared in his interview. With this goal, he created ArtDad—a project that combines creativity, family values, and play to make learning accessible and enjoyable for children.
ArtDad and Preschool of Business: Learning Through Play with Beach Ball, Bear, Block, and Crayon
ArtDad is designed not only to teach art but also to engage kids in social, cognitive, and emotional development. The project comes to life through the Preschool of Business YouTube series, where children can follow the adventures of Beach Ball, Bear, Block, and Crayon. These characters make complex ideas fun and understandable through songs, stories, and interactive play.
Gee explains, “The concept is to promote learning through play, social development, cognitive development, emotional development, and physical development.” With ArtDad, children can relate to the characters and explore new ideas in a friendly, accessible way. Each character represents different aspects of learning:
Beach Ball: Promotes cognitive development by encouraging logical and critical thinking through word games and puzzles.
Bear: Enhances physical development by engaging children in movement and coordination exercises.
Block: Supports social development by fostering teamwork and community-building activities.
Crayon: Inspires emotional development through art projects that help children understand and express their feelings.
Special Education and Embracing Diversity
This year, Gee has had the rewarding experience of working with Special Education students. He describes it as a unique opportunity to see children exceed the limitations society might place on them. With ArtDad, he’s helping each child feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
“I see them push themselves beyond the limitations society might have set upon them,” Gee explains. His classroom is a space for students to express themselves and grow, no matter their background or abilities.
Carrying on a Legacy of Resilience
For Gee, ArtDad is more than a project; it’s a continuation of his family’s legacy in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, where resilience and community have deep roots. Inspired by his ancestors and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Gee aims to make a positive, lasting impact on his community.
A Message to Aspiring Teachers
Gee’s advice for future teachers is straightforward: “Stay positive, keep God first, and uplift others.” Inspired by Christ’s example, Gee believes in serving students with humility, helping them find their potential. ArtDad and Preschool of Business aim to foster a generation of creative, curious, and confident kids who are ready to make a difference.
With the collaborative efforts of ArtDad and Preschool of Business, Gee is turning learning into a joyful adventure. Follow the journey of Beach Ball, Bear, Block, and Crayon on YouTube and see how this unique project is bringing education and play together in a way that resonates with kids and families alike.
If you're interested in joining Preschool of Business and becoming part of this exciting educational journey, we’d love to meet you! Visit our homepage to learn more and schedule a tour today. Let's build a creative, inspiring future together!