Tips for taking kids to museums



Research has shown that exposure to art from an early age develops children's aesthetic sensibilities and that even young children have robust and complex responses to art. Naomi Sauer, a visual artist and lecturer in teacher education at the University of Canberra in Australia, talks about how to expose your children to art when you take them to a museum.

How to get the most out of a visit to an art gallery with kids
https://theconversation.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-visit-to-an-art-gallery-with-kids-214272



According to Sauer, it is important to first 'try to pique the child's interest.' For example, if a child likes superheroes or cute characters, they may be drawn to art depicting tribes with unique costumes. Many museums also offer programs where children can participate in art-related activities, and some even hold cooking classes where children can recreate the shapes of modern art in three-dimensional form with toast to get in touch with the work. Sauer said, 'This kind of experience creates a whole new taste when they see the actual painting. Children will be fascinated by the work even before they see it.'



Marilyn J.S. Goodman, an expert in art and museum education, wrote a book called '

Children Draw ,' which explains the meaning and value of drawing for children up to adolescence, and also suggests ways to make museum visits more meaningful and enjoyable for both parents and children. According to Goodman, when taking children to a museum, it is better to choose a weekday when it is not too crowded, and to include time to take a break at a cafe in the schedule. Another important point is that even if you visit, it is important not to try to see all the exhibits, but to limit your viewing to about an hour in a row.



It is important to ask children who see art, 'Have you noticed anything about this exhibit?' and 'What do you think this piece represents?' In education, the thinking routine of 'seeing,' 'thinking,' and 'wondering' is said to stimulate children's curiosity and encourage them to observe carefully and interpret thoughtfully. Some galleries use 'Visual Thinking

Strategies, ' which consist of three questions: 'What is happening in this picture?', 'What does it represent?', and 'What else can you find?' to support deeper observation and interpretation. When showing art to children, it is not necessary for them to like the work, and if the child does not like the work, it is important to ask, 'Why do you dislike this?', says Sauer.



After about an hour of viewing, it is advisable to take some time to express what you have seen. Most museums have seats where you can sit and draw, so it is worthwhile to bring a sketchbook and have your child draw what they saw and felt in the museum. Another fun activity after interacting with art is to try to pose in the same way as the sculptures and paintings.

Many museums and galleries offer programs for children and families, and some even have games and quizzes designed to engage children with the art, such as 'Which painting has 10 trees?' A meaningful museum experience can foster a child's love of art and spark their curiosity, Sauer said.

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