2024/11/8 3-5Grade by Fran

After noticing a different energy level in previous tours after the first groups were finished touring or art-making upstairs, I decided to engage my group with a brief relaxation activity (based on Qigong principles). Eiko decided that she would join us. The students seemed to enjoy this, and my group was noticeably more settled and attentive. Both groups were engaged and open to discussion. I found that engaging them in “wondering” about objects prompted them to open up and ask some interesting and curious questions. They enjoyed discussing the connections between art and science.

I was delighted with both of the tours.

I would encourage others to take a few minutes before the second tour to settle the students (perhaps a stroll around the garden, breathing exercises, or walking to the parking lot to view the mural). 
Can we know what the art activity will be before the day of the tour? Someone could introduce an activity that is very similar to what the artist will be doing, thereby missing an opportunity to do something different.