Visiting art museums with children can be difficult. Can we find the words that will help children focus and enjoy the works of art? In this short course we will explore the different tools we can use, the attitudes we can adopt, and the questions we can ask to stimulate children’s curiosity about the history of art and develop their knowledge of cultures. After reflecting on why we find it meaningful to share our passion for art with children, we will look at the range of resources we can use such as websites, books, museums, and films. Then, we will consider the attitude we should adopt to encourage the dialogue. We will discuss examples and come up with concrete tips. We will take into consideration differences due to age groups, and their specific limitations and possibilities. During the last session, you will be asked to tell us about a recent dialogue with a child (or children) about an artwork or an artist, and share with us what was successful and what was challenging.
Course aim
How do we share our passion for visual arts with children? We will look at different ways to develop children's curiosity about the history of art, and images in general.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand better what we want to achieve when we engage children in art appreciation
- Reflect upon what makes for a good interaction about artworks and artists
- Describe different "methods" we can use to engage children in looking at works of art, and discovering artists, and art movements
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
Download full course information sheet
