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Creative Explorers

A Creative Thinking Tour for Pre-K Students
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Neuroscientists tell us that the type of learning that occurs in [libraries and museums]—self-directed, experiential, content-rich—promotes executive function skills that can shape a child’s success in life. The experiences, resources, and interactions provided by libraries and museums build brains and fuel a love of learning.

– An excerpt from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Growing Young Minds Report, 2013
A girl and a boy working with paints to create art

Creative Explorers is an hour-long introductory tour for preschool students. During a Creative Explorers tour, students:

  • Enjoy a learning experience that is appropriate for students of all levels and with diverse needs.
  • Expand their understanding of artists, learning students can be artists, too, and have the power to make their own choices to turn any material into a piece of art!
  • Are exposed to art from diverse cultures in a variety of media; and learn how artists use a variety of materials, colors and shapes, and their imaginations to make their art.
  • Have an experience that they are excited about and that makes them want to return back to the DAM to share it with their friends and families.

Standards

Visual Arts Standards:

  • Preschool, Standard 1.1 Observe and Learn to Comprehend-Identify art in daily surroundings.
  • Preschool, Standard 2.1 Envision and Critique to Reflect -Know that works of art can represent people, places and things.
  • Preschool, Standard 3.1 Invent and Discover to Create 1. Create works of art based on personal relevance.
  • Preschool, Standard 4.1 Relate and Connect to Transfer-Understand that artists have an important role in communities.

Social Studies Standards:

  • Preschool, Standard 2.1 Geography - Develop spatial understanding, perspectives, and connections to the world
  • Preschool, Standard 4.1 Civics -Understand one’s relationship to the family and community and respect differences in others.

Reading, Writing, and Communicating Academic Standards:

  • Preschool, Standard 1.2 Oral Expression and Listening -Children use language to convey thoughts and feelings (Expressive Language).

Related Creativity Resources

Teen girl holding a pencil
Field Trip

Art and Social Consciousness: Environmental Lens

Explore the collection with the earth in mind. Consider how environmental concerns are woven into the art making and viewing processes. This tour is designed for middle school and high school students.