Summer is an essential time to help your children develop good habits beyond the classroom. Keeping a routine is vital. Making some time, even if it is just one day a week, to spend enjoying the arts together will help establish a love for learning. It will inspire children and help lay a foundation for them to have a greater understanding of classical ideas as it unfolds in their education. ResponsiveEd’s Director of Classical Methodology Adrienne Freas provides some suggestions for how to guide summer art and music.
Art
How to study a picture:
- Read a short biographical sketch about the artist.
- Observe the picture carefully for two to three minutes.
- Get a first impression, then look in a circular direction for details.
- Focus on colors, textures, mood, weather.
- What do you think is going on in the picture?
- Draw the picture in your mind with words to be able to tell someone about it.
How to discuss a picture:
- What did you notice?
- Tell me about the colors.
- What do you think is happening in this picture?
- “Where is the light coming from?”
- What would you hear if this painting came to life?
- Since this painting captures a moment in time, what do you think happens next?
- Can you relate to this picture? How?
Music
Many people are exposed to classical works of music without being aware of it. It is often playing as background music or is used in advertisements. By helping children understand the context and meaning behind classical works of music, you can help them appreciate great works of art. Below are a few suggestions and resources for how to incorporate music into your summer.
- Go to concerts, but make it fun. There are often free concerts in the summer. Have a picnic to stay entertained while listening.
- Watch movies or read books about the composers.
- Research the instruments that are used to make the music.
- Listen to a part of a classic work and play who can name the song and composer.
- Listen to Classics for Kids to learn about different composers and the elements of their music.
Family Fun Games:
- Masterpiece: The Classic Art Auction Game
- The Play’s the Thing Board Game
- Educational Trivia Card Game – Professor Noggin’s History of Art
- Magnetic Poetry: All the Essential Words For Your Refrigerator
From museums to concerts, there are many opportunities to expose your children to art and music. Below is a short list. Click this link for a more detailed list of opportunities in the DFW, Houston and Austin areas. Some are free.
