Peer-to-Peer Mentoring at Small Factory in Fair Haven

Small Factory’s studio in Fair Haven is like a second home to many of our students. During the school year and summer, they often spend up to ten hours a week with us learning new technology and art tools and making friends. We have noticed that as they gain more experience, their confidence builds and they develop into mentors among their peers.

The roles often occur naturally in class as they speak up more, or on occasion lean in to instruct a fellow student at the next computer. Sometimes their talent, skills and patience even surpass many of the creative professionals we know.

The enthusiasm and willingness of several of our students inspired us to create an informal Peer-to-Peer Mentoring program. The response from students and their parents has been fantastic.

Research also indicates that peer learning activities result in a team-building spirit and more supportive relationships; greater psychological well-being, social competence, communication skills and self-esteem; and higher achievement and greater productivity in terms of enhanced learning outcomes. We are experiencing these awesome results firsthand at Small Factory!

Meet a few of our friends and peer-to-peer mentors:

Matthew, Age 10 of Little Silver, NJ

Matthew is our youngest helper/teacher in the studio. He has been taking classes with us since the age of 7 and is now at a “Producer” level in our program. He has become incredibly skilled in Video Game Design and is a Minecraft guru. His extensive knowledge of the game has led him to become a leader in our Minecraft Sunday Open Play sessions, where he mentors alongside our instructor Ken to help create worlds and teach the students how to build and navigate around Minecraft.

Anna, Age 13 of Fair Haven, NJ

Anna is also a “Producer” at Small Factory. She created one of our original cartoons, “The Adventures of Hoppy Brown and Leapy Green” where she voiced the character Leapy Green. From there, she became one of the stars of our TV show “Factory Flicks” and starred in numerous play productions at Small Factory. Her passion for acting and dancing has landed her the new role as studio mentor. She has worked alongside her mother in our “Put on a Show” class where she helps direct and choreograph dances. She is set to add another production to her list as actor and lead choreographer for our new production of School House Rock.

Carly, Age 16 of Fair Haven, NJ

Carly is one of our first “Executive Producers” at Small Factory. Her knowledge of animation and friendly personality has made her a great addition to the studio. She can be found here throughout the summer and on Saturdays mentoring young animators. The children enjoy working with her and really enjoy the Youtube videos she creates called UncontrollabyAwesomCartoons.

George, Age 17 from Spring Lake

George is also an “Executive Producer” in the studio. He is a very gifted artist who excels in taking hand drawn sketches and bringing them into Photoshop where they then come to life. When he’s not working on his creations, he’s helping students learn Photoshop and play Minecraft. George has built up a fantastic portfolio of work while at Small Factory and he looks forward to applying to college and sharing his experiences in the studio on his applications.

For more info on our Peer-to-Peer program contact Chris Dudick at chris@mysmallfactory.com or (732) 212-1088.

About Small Factory Productions

Small Factory Productions, located at 560 River Road, Suite C in Fair Haven, NJ, helps to build innovative young minds through its children’s arts and technology programs. Small Factory’s instructors have created exciting art programs that meet NJ and NY Core Content Standards for Language Arts, Literacy and Visual and Performing Arts. Students in classes at Small Factory’s production studio and at more than 30 public and private schools across New York and New Jersey have improved, both academically and socially, thanks to Small Factory’s unique curriculum.http://www.smallfactory.com