Today, I engaged with what we believed were two 2nd-grade groups, which eventually turned into one group of 2nd graders and one of 3rd graders. Both were joyful experiences.
I started with the first group (2nd) in the Wetlands room, then gave a quick walkabout after explaining the rules and objectives. We gathered beneath the butterflies and discussed the insects, and they shared their knowledge. I was almost immediately aware that they were learning about the “butterfly life cycle” in class, which made things easier. The students partnered up to look closely at the butterflies, and we discussed their findings. This group was easily distracted and focused on the room rather than the topic; we discussed a few artifacts they were interested in, then moved on to the second stop, the Kitsune in the Forest.
As we approached the Kitsune portrait, I had the students turn around to face away from the artwork. I then helped them position themselves (using hand signals, not touching) so that each could see a different perspective of the work. They then turned around, and I asked them to write down things they noticed and what they wondered about. After two minutes, I had them reposition themselves and repeat. They were, in fact, quite interested in the different perspectives. As we discussed the observations (wolf, fox, woman, position of eyes, etc.), one girl remarked that the figure “transformed,” which led me to a story of an old man (Kitsune) who tricked a young good Samaritan.
At Gold Mountain, the Ss close-looked and jotted down what they found; of particular interest were the three legs and why there is a square hole in the coins. They each got to pull the lever to get a coin (which did not always fall into the bowl).
On to the restaurant/storefront, where they explored for a few minutes, discussing favorites. Then we discussed the Daruma and its meaning. We discussed the meaning of setting goals, etc., and how the Daruma works. I passed out the origami Daruma I had prepared for them. They wrote a goal on the back, drew the faces, and colored in the eyes.
The second group (3rd graders) informed me that they had been to the museum last year and were excited to be back. We began in the Wetlands with a more detailed look at the butterfly kites. Working in pairs, they wrote down what they noticed in the kites. When we regrouped, I explained that the kites were part of a ritual observed in the QingMing Festival, where ancestors are honored. One S remarked that it sounded similar to Day of the Dead.
In the forest, we broke into two groups to explore the objects in the pillars. They were asked to find the one object that they did not like particularly, or thought was “ugly.” All had to agree on the one object. Then they were to go to the object, find something that was “beautiful” in it that they did like, discuss it, and report to the whole group. There was thoughtful discussion and reporting from both groups.
In Gold Mountain, the discussion revolved around the Uncle Speaks poem. The question “When is enough enough?” was the topic of the conversation. The conclusion was “perhaps when you have everything you need.” Then, as we were pulling the lever for the coins, I stopped before everyone had a chance and asked, “Is that enough?” The answer, of course, was “No!” The conclusion was that it wasn’t fair that everyone didn’t get a chance.
After brief stops in the Village and the Apartment (is that real food on the shelves?), we proceeded to the restaurant/storefront. Since time was short, we did not do the Daruma activity, but did visit the Guardians. I asked them to find a spot in the room, stand still for a minute or so, and concentrate on what they could see from that position without moving their bodies or heads. Then, after a minute, they could move to another position. They were very engaged, and the room was so very quiet. One S remarked that it was such a “peaceful place.”
As we exited the gallery and entered the garden, I pointed out the qilin, which was becoming increasingly hidden in the foliage. They wanted to see it after we discussed the Kirin in the Forest.
These were two very engaged and eager student groups. They were excited to learn that they would get passes and be able to bring their families to visit this interesting exhibition.
USC PAM Docent Blog and Resource Site 