Today, I toured with a group of quiet, sixth-grade students who, when they talked, had some very thoughtful responses. I only toured the 10:00 group. The students arrived late, so our tour was shortened. I started the tour with Palmyra because I wanted to connect the object to what the students were learning in class (Ancient Civilizations, Silk Road). I asked them to look closely at the work and write down what they noticed. Then they shared (very quietly); little discussion followed. I showed them pictures of Palmyra ruins before and after the most recent destruction.
Next, we looked at the Mandala and furthered the discussion of the construction (making something) and deconstruction (destroying something). I then asked: what happened here? A couple of boys ventured into this, basically saying that something was made, then destroyed, and then remade into a different form. Interesting.
Then, off to the permanent collection room. I let them explore on their own and ask questions about various works. We then discussed the Oracle Bones.
At this point, I moved to Room 6 and let them explore independently. I hadn’t planned to stop in this space, so I had no activity planned.
Finally, it was close to 11:00, and due to a prior commitment, I had to leave, and Jane graciously completed the tour.
Felt very uncomfortable with this tour for various reasons. The students were wonderful, my colleagues were the best, and Lonnie was, as always, accommodating. But circumstances beyond any of our control made this a challenging experience: the bus was quite late, there were only three docents rather than 4 (one did not show up), and there were those “pivoting” moments when one is prepared for one thing and is forced to another. Add to the fact that this was my first tour in a while, may I have been a bit “rusty?” Without a doubt.
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