Mini Monets and Mommies: Art Viewing With Your Young Child

Monday, March 31, 2014

Art Viewing With Your Young Child

Art viewing for toddlers and preschoolers? Alright, I'll be the first one to admit that after working as an art teacher in a museum I'm somewhat (more like really, really) biased when it comes to incorporating art viewing experiences into kids' art activities. As an art history major, there wasn't much I could do with my degree. So, why not spend another few years in school, get a grad degree in child development, and combine my two very different degrees by teaching tiny tykes about art?

Museum Viewing

While I enjoy a good kiddo craft as much as the next mom, I also truly believe that art isn't only about "making stuff." I know that taking a young child into the sterile-looking museum setting is scary for many parents. I was used to taking kids en mass into the museum's galleries, making it no big deal when I brought my then-young son to see "real" art. But, many of my friends shy away from the art museum, thinking that their little one's will surely reach out and touch the uber-valuable art. Yes, it's true that young children do struggle with the hands-off policy. I've had to call the conservation department more than once to tell them that a 3-, 4- or 5-year old just put his sticky hands on one of the works. That said, viewing real art in a real museum (or gallery) has real benefits for children. It can improve their critical thinking skills, build their spatial reasoning abilities and amp up their creativity.

Before you take your preschooler on the most boring tour of his life, standing him in front of paintings and rambling off names and dates, try some of these kid-tested tips and tricks to inspire positive art viewing experiences:

  • Review the rules beforehand. The rules should include: Do not touch anything, use your inside voice and use your walking -- not running -- feet. Your older preschooler (or grade school-aged child) can help you to create a rule list, instead of you dictating it to her. Ask her what she thinks the rules should be and why. this will help her to think critically about what a museum is and why it's important to act respectfully (and carefully) around the art.
  • Play a game. Instead of saying, "Ohhhh, look at the little girl in that painting!" try, "I spy a little girl. Can you point to the painting where she lives?"
  • Bring a piece of string along. It sounds silly, put a magical piece of yarn can make the difference between your child touching a priceless piece of art and staying back a reasonable distance. Place the yarn on the floor at least two feet back from the painting or sculpture that you're looking at. While other patrons may look at you like your crazy the "magic" of the string can put up an invisible barrier between your child and the art.
  • Ask your child, "What can you find?". This open-ended question encourages young children to really look at the art and take notice. You can follow this up with, "What do you think is going on?". This helps your child to turn art viewing into a literacy lesson, coming up with stories or a sequence of events from one static image.
  • Focus on the basics. Don't overload your child with information. She doesn't need to know Vincent Van Gogh's entire bio (especially not the ear-cutting-off part). Tell her the artist's name or stick with simple parts of the artwork such as shapes and colors.
  • Give your child a few new vocabulary words. Again, stay basic. Name shapes, new colors (such as magenta or violet) or point out that the horizon line is where the ground and the sky meet.
  • Bring a "feely bag" with you. I've taken a class of toddlers (yes, 2-year-olds) into the museum's galleries. I can tell you that they definitely want to touch everything. After all, hands-on learning is essential for the young child to explore and make her own discoveries. Even though your child can't touch the art, she can touch other objects that mimic the art. Take a look at the museum's website before your day out and pic a few artworks from their online catalog or "what's on view" section. Put together a lunch-sized paper bag of items that match up with some of the artworks, giving your child something (other than the art) to touch. For example, if you're planning on looking at a painting that features animals, bring along a swatch of craft fur for your child to pet. Ask her if she thinks that the animals in the art feel like the fur.
Are you looking for an activity on Famous artists? Check out and follow my Pinterest board.

Follow Erica Loop's board Famous Artist Kids' Activities on Pinterest.

38 comments:

  1. My daughter loved "I Spy" when she was in preschool! This is a great tip! I'll try it with my son when he is a bit older :-)

    JoAnn
    Whimsicle

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your great information.
    Visit Vashikaran Astrologer in Mysore.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This blog is absolutely amazing with quality contents, it's very rare to see such an incredible blog.
    igoal88 กีฬา

    ReplyDelete
  4. The simple methods listed here allow passengers to amend, postpone, or rebook their Lufthansa airline flight reservation. In accordance with the Lufthansa Flight Change Policy , all adjustments are allowed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Need to know how much is gas-stationsnearme.com. Go towhat gas station is open near me!
    for all the details. The map of how much is gas-stationsnearme.com account provides everything clearly and concisely.





    ReplyDelete
  6. For anyone in need of temporary internet, Moving Internet offers flexible plans that cater to all short-term needs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. can I get police clearance anywhere in Manila www.getpoliceclearanceph.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. A Salary Slipl Portal is an online platform provided by an organization—usually a government agency or large company—that allows employees to:

    View and download their salary slips/pay slips

    Access tax and deduction details

    Track monthly and yearly salary history

    ReplyDelete
  10. QuickBooks Payroll Support Number offers expert assistance for all your payroll-related queries and issues. Get help with payroll setup, tax filings, direct deposit, and employee management.

    QuickBooks Payroll Support
    QuickBooks Enterprise Support
    QuickBooks Desktop Support
    QuickBooks Online Support
    QuickBooks Payroll Error Support Number

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pune, a vibrant city known for its mix of tradition and modernity, is becoming a hotspot for refined living and creative home décor. As more residents look to enhance their living and working spaces, the demand for professional design services has skyrocketed. When it comes to hiring the best interior designers in Pune, one name stands out consistently — Life 2 Home.
    https://life2home.in/best-interior-designers-in-pune/

    ReplyDelete
  12. BIS Certification for Video Cameras is mandatory for manufacturers and importers to legally sell in the Indian market. It ensures product safety and compliance with Indian standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). At EVTL India, BIS CERTIFICATION FOR VIDEO CAMERA we provide complete assistance—from testing to certification—making the process smooth and hassle-free.

    Contact us: +91-9560 935 898

    ReplyDelete
  13. Macgence is a leading AI training data company at the forefront of providing exceptional human-in-the-loop solutions to make AI better. We specialize in offering fully managed AI/ML data solutions, catering to the evolving needs of businesses across industries. With a strong commitment to responsibility and sincerity, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for organizations seeking advanced automation solutions.

    ReplyDelete

  14. QuickBooks Script Error occurs when the software faces issues executing a command using your web browser, often due to incorrect settings or damaged components. This error can prevent pages from loading or scripts from running properly. Resolving it usually involves adjusting browser settings or updating components.

    Read Our Blogs

    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error
    QuickBooks Script Error

    ReplyDelete
  15. Aleph India is a leading technical consulting company based in New Delhi, offering end-to-end support for regulatory compliance and product certification in India. Since its founding, Aleph India has helped manufacturers and importers with services like BIS registration, ISI marking, WPC approval, EPR authorization, ISO certification, lab setup, and more. With a client-first approach, Aleph India simplifies complex approval processes for both Indian and international companies.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Clear structure supports user comprehension — whether in early art exposure or digital platforms like nbiappointmentph.ph, where simplified flows reduce friction and improve completion rates.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Efficient digital platforms rely on clear process design. www.nbiappointment.com.ph is a good example of how structured user flows can improve service accessibility and reduce task errors.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello, I am Looking the Your Website. This is the Very Good blogging website.
    When It Comes to us, Manufacturers of High-quality EPDM sheets, Gravofoam Stands Out as a Trusted Brand Known for Its Durability and Performance. Gravofoam specializes in Manufacturing Premium EPDM sheets That Are Ideal for Roofing, Waterproofing, and Industrial Applications, and Offer Excellent UV resistance, Weatherproofing, and Longevity.Visit Us -

    EPDM High Quality Foam Sheets
    EPDM Foam Sheet
    EPDM Foam Price
    Expanded EPDM Foam Sheet
    EPDM Foam Roll
    EPDM Foam Board Sheet
    High Density EPDM Foam

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your Blog Page Is Very Nice
    The Karate Approved Mat is the ultimate choice for martial artists seeking durability, comfort, and performance. Designed to meet rigorous training standards, this high-quality mat provides excellent shock absorption and a non-slip surface, ensuring safety during intense karate sessions.

    Visit Us -

    Karate Approved Mat in Delhi
    Karate Approved Mats Manufacturer
    Karate Approved Mats Supplier
    Karate Approved Mats Wholesale Supplier
    Karate Approved Mats Wholesaler
    Karate Approved Mats Manufacturer in Delhi
    Top Company Karate Approved Mats
    Top Supplier Karate Approved Mats

    ReplyDelete
  20. I absolutely love this idea—introducing kids to art appreciation early can make such a lasting impact! On a totally different note, for busy parents who rely on their coffee fix, I found this starbucks gift card balance checker super useful. It saves time when you're juggling errands and little ones!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello, I am Looking the Your Website. This is the Very Good blogging website.
    EVA foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) is a versatile, lightweight, and durable material widely used across various industries.
    Visit Us -
    EVA foam supplier
    High-Quality EVA Foam
    Affordable Price EVA Foam
    Eva Foam Blocks
    Cosplay High-Density EVA Foam
    EVA foam Wholesaler
    EVA foam sheets
    high-density EVA foam

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your Blog Page Is Very Nice
    When setting up a martial arts training facility, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for any dojo or gym is Martial Arts Wall Pads.

    Visit Us -

    Martial Arts Wall Mat
    Martial Arts Wall Mat Manufacturer
    Martial Arts Wall Mat Supplier
    Martial Arts Wall Mat Wholesale Supplier
    Martial Arts Wall Mat Wholesaler
    Martial Arts Wall Mat in Delhi
    Martial Arts Pad

    ReplyDelete