Shorter Activities
to tie into home learning
Beginning Storytelling:
Characters-
Who do we find in this image?
Begin with characters or animals, the more they build up this storytelling skill set they will be able to tackle a character-less work!
What could be clues to the identity of this character?
Plot-
Why might a character be here?
What might this character want?
How might the character(s) interact?
Be sure to sum up the story section or idea by repeating it back to them. I like to end with, if this were a moment in a story what would happen next? What came before?
Setting-
Where does this scene take place?
Near or Far?
Real or Fantasy?
If you are really on a roll: can you have your characters “jump” into the next physical artwork in the room, What are they doing now? *very fun in a portrait gallery.
Compare/Contrast:
Compare and contrast two artworks. They do not have to relate.
Use the “popcorn” structure of taking turns blurting out similarities and differences to the works. This is a great activity to use on historical objects!
You can use this activity to introduce students to the Elements of art. Example: the texture of one work is bumpy vs. smooth! This artwork makes me feel happy vs. sad because of the bright colors!
30 Second Look:
This is a fun game with the kiddos and gets them moving a bit.
Begin with rules to the game:
“We are going to take 30 seconds and only 30 seconds to look at a work of art! You have to take in as much detail as you can in those 30 seconds. I am going to time you! Ready? Go!”
Count to 30-or set timer.
Once the timer goes off tell everyone to quickly shut their eyes and turn around. Sit down on the floor, with backs to the artwork.
Prompt a one-at-a-time retelling of what they remember. Ask for evidence (within reason because they are not facing it.) Once everyone has spoken, turn around and recap all that they had relayed.
Try with 3-4 objects in the museum!