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Teacher Guide: <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong><br />

A multi-visit tour program for Chicago Public Schools third grade classrooms<br />

OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> is a sequential, multi-visit tour program designed to <strong>in</strong>tegrate visual art <strong>in</strong>to the<br />

third grade classroom and enhance student literacy, critical th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, observation, and<br />

communication skills through museum visits, classroom discussions, onl<strong>in</strong>e activities, and<br />

art-mak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Supported by sketchbook writ<strong>in</strong>g and draw<strong>in</strong>g activities <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>’s<br />

galleries, students work with docents to <strong>in</strong>teract with orig<strong>in</strong>al works <strong>of</strong> art <strong>in</strong> a multitude <strong>of</strong><br />

media and processes, and to explore related vocabulary for the purpose <strong>of</strong> broaden<strong>in</strong>g<br />

students’ understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> artistic concepts, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g comprehension <strong>of</strong> visual vocabulary,<br />

improv<strong>in</strong>g art-mak<strong>in</strong>g skills, and build<strong>in</strong>g student self-confidence and communication skills.<br />

The program also <strong>in</strong>cludes a studio hands-on component led by a pr<strong>of</strong>essional teach<strong>in</strong>g artist<br />

for students to explore media and artistic process as authentic artists.<br />

OBJECTIVES<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduces third graders to a broad range <strong>of</strong> visual art and provides them with<br />

tools and opportunities to th<strong>in</strong>k critically, learn new vocabulary, and express their own ideas<br />

about what they see <strong>in</strong> works <strong>of</strong> art. The objectives <strong>of</strong> this eight-week program are to:<br />

• Introduce students to authentic works <strong>of</strong> visual art <strong>in</strong> a museum environment.<br />

• Introduce students to methods <strong>of</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g at and communicat<strong>in</strong>g about art.<br />

• Encourage students to explore, discuss, and write about ways to <strong>in</strong>terpret artworks,<br />

enhanc<strong>in</strong>g language art and communication skills.<br />

• Encourage students to make connections between what they’ve learned <strong>in</strong> the<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> and their own lives, by experiment<strong>in</strong>g with and express<strong>in</strong>g themselves with<br />

artistic media.<br />

Goals for students<br />

• Develop and utilize visual language to describe, explore, and create works <strong>of</strong> art.<br />

• Express <strong>in</strong>dividual ideas and op<strong>in</strong>ions about art.<br />

• Understand the purpose and function <strong>of</strong> an art museum.<br />

• Understand who artists are and how they make art.<br />

Goals for <strong>teacher</strong>s<br />

• Involve art <strong>in</strong> the classroom experience.<br />

• Explore <strong>in</strong>quiry-based teach<strong>in</strong>g methods.


• Integrate website technology <strong>in</strong>to the curriculum.<br />

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS<br />

The <strong>Smart</strong>’s <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> multi-visit program meets Ill<strong>in</strong>ois State Standards and the<br />

Common Core curriculum <strong>in</strong> the areas <strong>of</strong> English Language <strong>Art</strong>s, F<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Art</strong>s, Social Science,<br />

Math, and Social/Emotional Learn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Students read images as <strong>in</strong>formational text, use techniques like compare and contrast to<br />

discuss works <strong>of</strong> art, give evidence to support <strong>in</strong>ferences and op<strong>in</strong>ions, make direct and<br />

personal connections to authentic works <strong>of</strong> art, and consider multiple perspectives <strong>in</strong><br />

discussions.<br />

PROGRAM STRUCTURE<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> consists <strong>of</strong> four field trips to the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, each paired with a<br />

studio activity to take place the follow<strong>in</strong>g week <strong>in</strong> the classroom, led by a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

teach<strong>in</strong>g artist. There are four museum visits and four studio sessions <strong>in</strong> a complete<br />

sequence. Except<strong>in</strong>g holiday conflicts, the eight sessions take place over consecutive weeks,<br />

ideally always scheduled for the same weekday and time.<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> visits and studio sessions are 90 m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>in</strong> length. Pre- and post-visit classroom<br />

activities should be planned <strong>in</strong> accordance with this schedule.<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> Visits<br />

Specially tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago student docents lead all <strong>Museum</strong> visits (each 90<br />

m<strong>in</strong>utes) and <strong>in</strong>troduce students to methods <strong>of</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g at and communicat<strong>in</strong>g about works<br />

<strong>of</strong> visual art.<br />

Supported by writ<strong>in</strong>g and draw<strong>in</strong>g activities <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong> galleries, students work with<br />

docents to develop a visual vocabulary that allows them to explore their own ideas about art;<br />

<strong>in</strong>creases critical th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and communication skills; builds a comprehension <strong>of</strong> the tools and<br />

processes <strong>of</strong> creation, as well as the purpose and function <strong>of</strong> museums. Each classroom<br />

works with the same docents for all museum sessions; this is one <strong>of</strong> the ways <strong>in</strong> which<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uity and rapport is built <strong>in</strong>to the programs.<br />

Studio Sessions<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> <strong>in</strong>cludes four <strong>Museum</strong> visits alternat<strong>in</strong>g with four art-mak<strong>in</strong>g sessions led by a<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional teach<strong>in</strong>g artist <strong>in</strong> the students’ own classrooms. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>-classroom studio<br />

sessions, Joel Javier—a Chicago-based artist with extensive teach<strong>in</strong>g experience—<strong>in</strong>troduces<br />

the students to a wide range <strong>of</strong> processes and media <strong>in</strong> order to re<strong>in</strong>force concepts covered<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Museum</strong> visits and encourage students <strong>in</strong> their own work. The students create<br />

artworks <strong>in</strong>spired by the <strong>Museum</strong> collection.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 2


PROGRAM OUTLINE<br />

The outl<strong>in</strong>e and objectives for each week <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> program are detailed below.<br />

Week 1<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit: Elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong><br />

Students will be <strong>in</strong>troduced to the basic elements <strong>of</strong> art (l<strong>in</strong>e, shape, color, texture). Together<br />

the group will consider how these elements come together, <strong>in</strong> both representational and<br />

abstract works, to create a composition.<br />

Week 2<br />

Studio Session: Abstract Portrait<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> art connection: Soldier at a Game <strong>of</strong> Chess by Jean Metz<strong>in</strong>ger<br />

Students will look at an art historic source image (portrait) and create an abstract version<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g elements <strong>of</strong> art, contrast<strong>in</strong>g colors, textures & shapes <strong>in</strong> the medium <strong>of</strong> collage.<br />

Week 3<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit: Content and Creation<br />

Students will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to explore the elements <strong>of</strong> art as they relate to two-dimensional<br />

objects representative <strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong> media (e.g., pr<strong>in</strong>ts, photography, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs). This will<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude a discussion <strong>of</strong> design as art <strong>in</strong> functional objects.<br />

Week 4<br />

Studio Session: Hybrid Objects<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> art connection: Translated Vase by Yeesookyung<br />

Students th<strong>in</strong>k about the functional art pieces they saw at the museum and consider how the<br />

elements <strong>of</strong> art were used to design them. Students design their own object.<br />

Week 5<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit: Stories <strong>in</strong> <strong>Art</strong><br />

Look<strong>in</strong>g at narratives, or stories, will <strong>in</strong>troduce students to the idea <strong>of</strong> communication <strong>in</strong> art.<br />

Students will practice <strong>in</strong>terpret<strong>in</strong>g what stories they see <strong>in</strong> works <strong>of</strong> art (imag<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g what<br />

happens next), will support their ideas with evidence, and should consider multiple<br />

<strong>in</strong>terpretations. Students will look for details to consider how they relate to the subject <strong>of</strong> the<br />

composition.<br />

Week 6<br />

Studio Session: City Sketches<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> art connection: The City by Alice Neel<br />

Students will create a landscape or cityscape draw<strong>in</strong>g that tells a story and communicates a<br />

mood.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 3


Week 7<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit: Th<strong>in</strong>k About <strong>Art</strong><br />

Students will use their visual vocabulary to synthesize and express their ideas about works <strong>of</strong><br />

art (<strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g, through sketch<strong>in</strong>g, photography, and oral communication) to share personal<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions, support their ideas us<strong>in</strong>g visual evidence, listen to other po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> view, and respect<br />

differ<strong>in</strong>g op<strong>in</strong>ions.<br />

Week 8<br />

Studio Session: Mak<strong>in</strong>g a <strong>Smart</strong> Connection<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> art connection: student’s choice<br />

Students will create a work <strong>in</strong>spired by a piece they have seen <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>.<br />

ASSESSMENT<br />

In addition to feedback from our docents and <strong>teacher</strong>s, we also have <strong>in</strong> place an evolv<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

responsive system <strong>of</strong> evaluation that has been critical to the ongo<strong>in</strong>g success <strong>of</strong> the multivisit<br />

tour programs. In 2012-2013, this system will be three-fold:<br />

1) Pre- and post-student writ<strong>in</strong>g assessments<br />

2) Pre- and post-<strong>teacher</strong> surveys<br />

3) Evaluations executed by graduate students at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

The pre- and post-writ<strong>in</strong>g assessments are writ<strong>in</strong>g activities distributed by docents at the<br />

start <strong>of</strong> the first <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit and aga<strong>in</strong> at the last visit. Students have ten m<strong>in</strong>utes to<br />

describe an artwork pr<strong>in</strong>ted on their handout (the same artwork is used for both pre- and<br />

post-assessments).<br />

The <strong>teacher</strong>s’ pre-surveys document teach<strong>in</strong>g experience, level <strong>of</strong> comfort <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

arts <strong>in</strong> the curriculum, and expectations for apply<strong>in</strong>g tour concepts <strong>in</strong> the classroom. The<br />

post-surveys ask <strong>teacher</strong>s to rate the complete tour experience, comment on docent delivery,<br />

expla<strong>in</strong> how the program <strong>in</strong>formed or complemented their teach<strong>in</strong>g, and reflect on<br />

challenges and benefits to implement<strong>in</strong>g the program. The surveys also solicit suggestions<br />

for future pr<strong>of</strong>essional development <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs at the <strong>Museum</strong>.<br />

All participat<strong>in</strong>g classes will also have two graduate Student Program Assistants (SPA) from<br />

the <strong>University</strong> assigned to observe, document, and report any challenges or successes<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g each visit. Because the SPA team will observe both <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visits and <strong>in</strong><br />

class art-mak<strong>in</strong>g sessions <strong>in</strong> addition to analyz<strong>in</strong>g the students’ sketchbook activities, they are<br />

<strong>in</strong> a unique position to facilitate communication between docents, <strong>teacher</strong>s, the teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />

artist, and <strong>Museum</strong> education staff—which will allow the docents and teach<strong>in</strong>g artist to<br />

make timely changes as needed.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 4


PARTNERSHIP<br />

Integrat<strong>in</strong>g all facets <strong>of</strong> the visual arts <strong>in</strong>to the school curriculum enables the <strong>Smart</strong> to<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> long-term partnerships with Chicago Public Schools <strong>in</strong> neighborhoods<br />

surround<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago on the city’s South Side.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> program, participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>teacher</strong>s receive an extensive, week-byweek<br />

curriculum that outl<strong>in</strong>es the objectives for each visit—<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g related vocabulary and<br />

concepts that the docents will address—and hands-on lesson ideas that <strong>in</strong>tegrate objects<br />

from the <strong>Museum</strong> collection and a supplementary kit <strong>of</strong> art supplies. Each <strong>teacher</strong> attends a<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional development workshop (held quarterly) as an orientation before their classroom<br />

tours beg<strong>in</strong> and to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the network <strong>of</strong> participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>teacher</strong>s. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the workshop<br />

<strong>teacher</strong>s review the curriculum with museum staff, participate <strong>in</strong> hands-on art-mak<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

the Teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Art</strong>ist, and work together to draft arts-<strong>in</strong>tegrated lesson plans.<br />

What does the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> provide?<br />

This program is a partnership between the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> and <strong>teacher</strong>s. In addition to<br />

ongo<strong>in</strong>g communication and logistical management, the <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers:<br />

• Four docent-led museum visits<br />

• Four teach<strong>in</strong>g artist-led art studio visits<br />

• Bus transportation<br />

• Teacher tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

• <strong>Art</strong>-mak<strong>in</strong>g supplies<br />

• Suggested classroom activities<br />

• Acknowledgement to students at the end <strong>of</strong> the program<br />

• Program assessment and documentation<br />

What are the <strong>teacher</strong>’s responsibilities?<br />

In partnership with the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>, <strong>teacher</strong>s are expected to:<br />

• Attend <strong>teacher</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> advance <strong>of</strong> the program<br />

• Collaborate with Student Program Assistants to create one artist-<strong>in</strong>tegrated lesson<br />

plan to be co-taught dur<strong>in</strong>g the year<br />

• Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> regular communication with <strong>Museum</strong> staff dur<strong>in</strong>g the school year<br />

• Prepare students for each <strong>Museum</strong> visit<br />

• Assist the Teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Art</strong>ist and Student Program Assistants dur<strong>in</strong>g the studio sessions<br />

Participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>teacher</strong>s also collaborate with the Student Program Assistants to develop their<br />

own unique, arts-<strong>in</strong>tegrated lesson for <strong>in</strong>corporation <strong>in</strong>to their curriculum. Lesson<br />

development should be coord<strong>in</strong>ated between <strong>teacher</strong>s and SPAs and can take place any time<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 5


dur<strong>in</strong>g the duration <strong>of</strong> the eight-week program. This facet <strong>of</strong> the program can take place any<br />

time dur<strong>in</strong>g the duration <strong>of</strong> the eight-week program and is <strong>in</strong>tended to accomplish two goals:<br />

(1) to give aspir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>teacher</strong>s the opportunity to work with master educators and (2) to<br />

support veteran <strong>teacher</strong>s <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g new lessons that make use <strong>of</strong> the collection. Lessons<br />

should be co-taught and can take place dur<strong>in</strong>g the eight-week program or <strong>in</strong> the month<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

IN THE CLASSROOM<br />

<strong>Art</strong> can be an <strong>in</strong>tegral part <strong>of</strong> the classroom rout<strong>in</strong>e. The <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> education<br />

department is committed to arts <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>in</strong> K–12 classrooms. You are welcome to call<br />

Lisa Davis, <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> Manager <strong>of</strong> Tour and Teacher Initiatives, at 773.834.1066 for<br />

year-round for assistance <strong>in</strong> add<strong>in</strong>g or expand<strong>in</strong>g the role <strong>of</strong> visual art <strong>in</strong> your classroom.<br />

SMARTKIDS WEBSITE<br />

The <strong>Museum</strong>’s smARTkids website (smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/smartkids) is a valuable<br />

resource for kid-friendly art concepts, activities, and resources. With<strong>in</strong> this <strong>teacher</strong>’s <strong>guide</strong><br />

you will f<strong>in</strong>d suggested lesson ideas from the website that may be implemented with<strong>in</strong> or<br />

outside <strong>of</strong> the four-week program timeframe, at the art or classroom <strong>teacher</strong>’s discretion.<br />

These art, writ<strong>in</strong>g, and technology-based activities allow for the skills fostered <strong>in</strong> <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Focus</strong> to grow throughout the school year. Careful consideration has been given to the<br />

amount <strong>of</strong> classroom time required for any given activity.<br />

In particular, the <strong>Art</strong>work <strong>of</strong> the Month component (copies <strong>of</strong> which can also be found <strong>in</strong><br />

the red folder <strong>of</strong> your kit) provides art activities based on objects <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong><br />

collection and developed specifically for elementary school-aged children. These activities<br />

are well-suited for non-art classrooms or to try at home, and utilize supplies from the<br />

classroom kit and materials commonly found around the house. The n<strong>in</strong>e hands-on art<br />

activities are great to use at any po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> the school year. Try them all!<br />

CLASSROOM KIT<br />

The classroom kit conta<strong>in</strong>s a mixture <strong>of</strong> art supplies, such as scissors, glue, Cray-Pas oil<br />

pastels, decorative paper, and other materials appropriate for classroom use.<br />

BEFORE YOU VISIT<br />

These are important po<strong>in</strong>ts to consider before your classroom’s first visit to the <strong>Smart</strong>:<br />

Prepar<strong>in</strong>g Your Students<br />

Have any <strong>of</strong> your students been to a museum before? What about an art museum? What did<br />

they do there? How did they feel about their experience? If they have never been to an art<br />

museum, what do they th<strong>in</strong>k it will be like?<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 6


One <strong>of</strong> the goals <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>’s <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> program is to <strong>in</strong>crease student<br />

awareness <strong>of</strong> the purpose and function <strong>of</strong> an art museum. Through repeat visits to the <strong>Smart</strong><br />

<strong>Museum</strong>, it is hoped that students feel a sense <strong>of</strong> ownership <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong> and its<br />

collection, and come to realize that the <strong>Smart</strong> and other cultural <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>of</strong>fer a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

rich experiences to them both <strong>in</strong> and out <strong>of</strong> school.<br />

You can help get th<strong>in</strong>gs started on the right track by discuss<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> with your<br />

class <strong>in</strong> advance <strong>of</strong> the first visit. Describe the program to them. Ask them to share their<br />

thoughts on what the experience might be like. What questions do they have about art<br />

museums, and about the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>in</strong> particular? See the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> FAQ below to help<br />

facilitate the conversation.<br />

Although the docents will talk about museum rules at each visit, it is wise to <strong>in</strong>troduce these<br />

rules before the first visit. See Visitor Policies below for <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong><br />

rules and etiquette. What rules can your students come up with without prompt<strong>in</strong>g? Which<br />

rules need further discussion <strong>in</strong>to their purpose (i.e., prohibitions aga<strong>in</strong>st touch<strong>in</strong>g art and<br />

writ<strong>in</strong>g with pens)?<br />

The benefits <strong>of</strong> pre-visit preparation will be apparent right from the start, and will ensure an<br />

improved field trip experience for everyone.<br />

CHAPERONES<br />

Chaperones play an important role at each <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit. Even though a docent will<br />

be with your students at all times, this is not sufficient adult supervision.<br />

While there is no limit to the number <strong>of</strong> chaperones that accompany your class, we ask that<br />

at least two accompany your class at the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> each visit. Your class will be divided<br />

<strong>in</strong>to two groups. If at least one chaperone follows each group, then you are free to float<br />

between the two groups and assist with discipl<strong>in</strong>e as needed.<br />

VISITOR POLICIES<br />

Do not touch! F<strong>in</strong>gers, pen po<strong>in</strong>ts, pencils, and paper edges can easily scratch the surface <strong>of</strong><br />

artworks. Please don’t touch and, to avoid accidents, always stay at least one foot away from<br />

artworks and cases. <strong>Museum</strong> gallery attendants might rem<strong>in</strong>d you to keep this distance.<br />

Be aware <strong>of</strong> where you are <strong>in</strong> relation to the artworks. The <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> galleries are<br />

relatively small. Please be aware <strong>of</strong> artworks and cases that are near or beh<strong>in</strong>d you. Rem<strong>in</strong>d<br />

young people that runn<strong>in</strong>g and physical play are not allowed <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong>.<br />

Do not lean or sit on display cases or low pedestals. These are used to protect artworks.<br />

Please do not write or place objects on them.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 7


Use only pencils <strong>in</strong> the galleries. Docents provide pencils for sketchbook activities.<br />

NO food or dr<strong>in</strong>k permitted <strong>in</strong> the exhibition space.<br />

Visitors may not br<strong>in</strong>g umbrellas or large bags <strong>in</strong>to the gallery space. The size <strong>guide</strong><br />

for acceptable bags is an 8.5 x 11 <strong>in</strong>ch manila envelope. Any bags larger than this standard<br />

must be checked. Strollers are permitted.<br />

Your students will review this abbreviated version <strong>of</strong> the rules at the start <strong>of</strong> each tour:<br />

Don’t touch art or walls.<br />

Raise hands to talk.<br />

Always look and listen.<br />

Write <strong>in</strong> pencil only.<br />

THE DAY OF TOUR<br />

Remember to br<strong>in</strong>g student nametags and sketchbooks to every <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> visit. A note<br />

about nametags: please pr<strong>in</strong>t (or ask students to pr<strong>in</strong>t) names <strong>in</strong> large type <strong>in</strong> pen or marker.<br />

The docents rely on clearly legible nametags to better communicate with your students.<br />

The bus drops <strong>of</strong>f and picks up students from the same po<strong>in</strong>t at the <strong>Museum</strong>: on 55th and<br />

Greenwood at the entrance to the <strong>Museum</strong> courtyard. Docents will greet your class <strong>in</strong> the<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> lobby, and direct students to the coatroom and washrooms as necessary.<br />

The tour beg<strong>in</strong>s with a docent-led <strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>in</strong> the galleries for the entire class. Near the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>troduction, you will be asked to distribute the sketchbooks if you have not done<br />

so already. The docents will ask you at the end <strong>of</strong> the fifteen-m<strong>in</strong>ute <strong>in</strong>troduction to divide<br />

your students <strong>in</strong>to two groups. It is recommended that you determ<strong>in</strong>e the roster <strong>of</strong> each group prior to<br />

this po<strong>in</strong>t. Please be sure that chaperones are aware <strong>of</strong> which group they are to travel with.<br />

Each docent takes one group and departs on the rema<strong>in</strong>der <strong>of</strong> the tour.<br />

You will notice that docents use an <strong>in</strong>quiry-based method <strong>of</strong> discussion <strong>in</strong> the galleries.<br />

Students respond to open-ended questions about art, and are asked to provide visual<br />

evidence for their responses. All students are encouraged to be active participants and<br />

supportive listeners. Sometimes, <strong>in</strong> the excitement <strong>of</strong> the experience, students forget to raise<br />

hands and take turns speak<strong>in</strong>g. If you have a special signal to quickly re-focus your students<br />

(count<strong>in</strong>g, handclaps, etc.), please share it with your docents. They will appreciate this tip!<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 8


If, after observ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>quiry-based discussion <strong>in</strong> the galleries, you would like to learn more<br />

about <strong>in</strong>quiry applications <strong>in</strong> the classroom (across the curriculum, not just <strong>in</strong> the arts),<br />

please contact the <strong>Smart</strong> education department for additional <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g your classroom’s participation <strong>in</strong> this program, your students will likely have<br />

questions about the <strong>Smart</strong>, or about art museums <strong>in</strong> general. This FAQ was created to<br />

answer many <strong>of</strong> those questions.<br />

ART MUSEUM QUESTIONS<br />

Q: What is a museum?<br />

A: A museum is a place dedicated to collect<strong>in</strong>g, car<strong>in</strong>g for, study<strong>in</strong>g, and display<strong>in</strong>g objects.<br />

In our case, we are an art museum, so we collect art objects (more commonly known as<br />

artworks) and display them <strong>in</strong> galleries.<br />

Q: What is a gallery?<br />

A: Sometimes we use the word gallery for places that sell artwork. However, with<strong>in</strong> a<br />

museum, a gallery is a room <strong>in</strong> which artworks are on display. A museum usually has more<br />

than one gallery. In our case, we have seven galleries.<br />

Q: Who decides which artworks are displayed at an art museum?<br />

A: Curators do. Curators are members <strong>of</strong> the museum staff. Their job is to care for the<br />

collections, research the objects, and decide which artworks will go on view and how they<br />

should be arranged <strong>in</strong> the galleries. Sometimes curators make a special presentation <strong>of</strong><br />

objects called an exhibition.<br />

Q: What is an exhibition?<br />

A: An exhibition is a presentation <strong>of</strong> objects. The objects <strong>in</strong> an exhibition connect to one<br />

another <strong>in</strong> a particular way, such as appearance, function, technique, time period, or subject<br />

matter. Usually exhibitions are only displayed for a limited period <strong>of</strong> time. At the <strong>Smart</strong><br />

<strong>Museum</strong>, some exhibitions are on display for as little as two months, while others are much<br />

longer.<br />

Q: Who are docents?<br />

A: Docents (dōh-sents) specialize <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g museum visitors look and talk about art. They<br />

lead tours <strong>of</strong> museums, po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out and discuss<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong> artworks.<br />

Q: Why can’t we touch the art?<br />

A: All <strong>of</strong> us have oils <strong>in</strong> our sk<strong>in</strong> that <strong>in</strong>teract with the chemicals <strong>in</strong> the artworks when we<br />

touch them. After repeated touches, the artworks will show signs <strong>of</strong> wear. We don’t let<br />

anyone touch the works <strong>of</strong> art because we want the artworks to rema<strong>in</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g the way they<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 9


do now, so that future visitors can appreciate them as much as you will. Some works are very<br />

fragile. It’s possible that by touch<strong>in</strong>g a work <strong>of</strong> art, you may accidentally break someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>f<br />

<strong>of</strong> it or scratch it. Even museum staff members have to be careful with artworks. To move<br />

artworks, our staff members wear special gloves.<br />

SMART MUSEUM QUESTIONS<br />

Q: Why is it called the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>?<br />

A: The <strong>Museum</strong> is named after two brothers, David and Alfred <strong>Smart</strong>, who were <strong>in</strong>terested<br />

<strong>in</strong> art and education. David and Alfred <strong>Smart</strong> founded Esquire, Incorporated <strong>in</strong> 1931 and<br />

were the publishers <strong>of</strong> Esquire magaz<strong>in</strong>e. After they died, the <strong>Smart</strong> Family Foundation gave<br />

the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago a donation to establish a f<strong>in</strong>e arts gallery. The David and Alfred<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> opened <strong>in</strong> 1974.<br />

Q: What k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> art do you have?<br />

A: Our collection <strong>in</strong>cludes artworks from ancient times to the present, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

sculptures, furniture, pottery, Asian scrolls, pr<strong>in</strong>ts, draw<strong>in</strong>gs, and photographs. We have a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> works by Chicago artists.<br />

Q: Do you have any famous artworks?<br />

A: We don’t have anyth<strong>in</strong>g as famous as the Mona Lisa, but we do have some works by<br />

famous artists such as Mark Rothko and Frank Lloyd Wright. We also have many terrific<br />

artworks by lesser-known artists from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Lat<strong>in</strong> America.<br />

Q: How big is the collection?<br />

A: We have over 12,000 artworks!<br />

Q: Is the whole collection on view?<br />

A: No. Our build<strong>in</strong>g is not large enough to show the whole collection. Selections from our<br />

collection are displayed, and these selections are <strong>of</strong>ten changed to allow people to see<br />

different artworks. Usually a couple hundred works are on display. The rest are carefully put<br />

away <strong>in</strong> storage rooms.<br />

Q: Where does the art come from?<br />

A: Our artworks come to us <strong>in</strong> many ways. Many objects first belonged to other departments<br />

on campus before they were given to the <strong>Smart</strong>. Sometimes people who have gone to school<br />

at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago or who collect art donate artworks to the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>. The<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> also purchases artworks each year from artists and art dealers. F<strong>in</strong>ally, some <strong>of</strong> the<br />

artworks you will see <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong> are either on loan from <strong>in</strong>dividual collectors, or are part<br />

<strong>of</strong> travel<strong>in</strong>g exhibitions organized by other museums and galleries.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 10


Q: Why are you on a university campus?<br />

A: The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago has collected art objects s<strong>in</strong>ce its found<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 1892 to use as<br />

teach<strong>in</strong>g tools. Before the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> opened, these objects were scattered across<br />

campus <strong>in</strong> various departments. Now they are collected <strong>in</strong> our build<strong>in</strong>g, where everyone can<br />

access them, not just college students and pr<strong>of</strong>essors.<br />

TOUR QUESTIONS<br />

Q: When I visit the <strong>Museum</strong>, what is the tour go<strong>in</strong>g to be like?<br />

A: On your tour, a <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> staff member called a docent (dōh-sent) will <strong>in</strong>troduce<br />

you to the <strong>Museum</strong>. Docents specialize <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g you look and talk about art. He or she will<br />

lead a group <strong>of</strong> about 10–15 people around the <strong>Museum</strong>, po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out and discuss<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong><br />

artworks.<br />

Q: What’s expected <strong>of</strong> us on the tour?<br />

A: Docents will expect and want to hear your op<strong>in</strong>ions and ideas. The docent will be ask<strong>in</strong>g<br />

you a lot <strong>of</strong> questions. You can answer freely and ask questions <strong>of</strong> your own as well.<br />

Docents will expect you to respect others’ ideas and op<strong>in</strong>ions. Please remember, don’t talk<br />

while other people are talk<strong>in</strong>g, and listen to what the docent and your peers say.<br />

Q: Who are the people wear<strong>in</strong>g black t-shirts <strong>in</strong> the galleries?<br />

A: They are <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> gallery attendants. The gallery attendants enforce the <strong>Museum</strong><br />

rules to ensure that your visit will be safe and that the artworks will be safe. They will tell you<br />

when you get too close to an artwork. Gallery attendants are also here to help you. For<br />

example, they can help you f<strong>in</strong>d a favorite artwork or po<strong>in</strong>t you to the restrooms and water<br />

founta<strong>in</strong>.<br />

Q: If I like it at the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>, can I go back?<br />

A: Absolutely! The <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> is free and everyone is always welcome. The only day you<br />

can’t visit our galleries is on Mondays, when we are closed to the public. You will receive a<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> Pass to share with your family. Show your <strong>Smart</strong> Pass at the front desk to receive<br />

prizes, and at the café and gift shop to receive discounts.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

<strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> Teacher Guide, page 11


PRE-VISIT CHECKLIST<br />

Before com<strong>in</strong>g to the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>, please remember to:<br />

• Arrange for two adult chaperones for each <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong> visits.<br />

• Prep the students about what they’ll be do<strong>in</strong>g at the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> each week.<br />

• Visit the smARTkids website (smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/smartkids) with them <strong>in</strong><br />

preparation for their next visit. You can f<strong>in</strong>d fun and <strong>in</strong>teractive games and activities<br />

on the website.<br />

• Create nametags for the students.<br />

• Send home the photo consent forms to parents and gather them (they need to be<br />

brought to the <strong>Museum</strong>).<br />

• Make sure all the tour visit dates on are the calendar and are correct.<br />

• Look over the classroom materials and understand the objectives <strong>of</strong> each visit.<br />

• Consider ways to make use <strong>of</strong> the classroom kit and suggested <strong>Art</strong>work <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Month activities to <strong>in</strong>tegrate art <strong>in</strong>to your classroom and make connections with<br />

works on view at the <strong>Museum</strong>.<br />

CONTACT<br />

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns:<br />

Lisa Davis<br />

Manager <strong>of</strong> Tour & Teacher Initiatives<br />

773.834.1066<br />

lisadavis@uchicago.edu<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong><br />

The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

5550 S. Greenwood Avenue<br />

Chicago, IL 60637<br />

smartmuseum.uchicago.edu


Dear Parents,<br />

We are so excited to have your child participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Art</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Focus</strong> program at the <strong>Smart</strong><br />

<strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong> this year! Throughout the program, your child will learn ways to th<strong>in</strong>k about,<br />

talk about, and create art.<br />

Field Trip Schedule<br />

Your child will visit the <strong>Museum</strong> four times to tour with docents (<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

students tra<strong>in</strong>ed to lead groups through the galleries), and will have a Teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Art</strong>ist visit their<br />

classroom four times to lead art-mak<strong>in</strong>g experiences<br />

Chaperones<br />

Participation <strong>in</strong> the program is free, but parent chaperones are needed to ensure the trip goes<br />

smoothly and everyone is hav<strong>in</strong>g an enjoyable and safe learn<strong>in</strong>g experience.<br />

Chaperones assist the <strong>teacher</strong> and docents by lend<strong>in</strong>g an extra hand on the trips. Some parents<br />

sign up for multiple field trips <strong>in</strong> order to appreciate the progress each child makes dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

program but we hope you will consider accompany<strong>in</strong>g your child on at least one field trip. Please<br />

contact your child’s <strong>teacher</strong> to sign up as a chaperone.<br />

At Home<br />

After each visit, be sure to ask your child what they did at the <strong>Museum</strong>. This is a great way to<br />

re<strong>in</strong>force the concepts and skills they have learned and to give them an opportunity to show <strong>of</strong>f<br />

their new vocabulary! You can also visit the smART Kids website with them <strong>in</strong> preparation for<br />

their next visit. You can f<strong>in</strong>d fun and <strong>in</strong>teractive games and activities at<br />

smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/smartkids.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> Passes<br />

In appreciation <strong>of</strong> your child’s participation, you will receive a <strong>Smart</strong> Pass—a free year-long<br />

family membership to the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> that <strong>in</strong>cludes prizes for the first three visits to the<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> as a family and discounts at the café and shop.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>cerely,<br />

Lisa Davis<br />

Manager <strong>of</strong> Tour & Teacher Initiatives<br />

773.834.1066<br />

lisadavis@uchicago.edu<br />

Education Department<br />

5550 S. Greenwood Avenue | Chicago, IL 60637<br />

smartmuseum.uchicago.edu<br />

773.834.1066 Phone


SCHOOL TOUR CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM<br />

I consent to have my child photographed, videotaped, audio taped and/or <strong>in</strong>terviewed by the<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago or by students or consultants <strong>in</strong>volved with<br />

the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> directly <strong>in</strong> its school and family programs on the school or <strong>Museum</strong><br />

premises. I also consent to the use <strong>of</strong> my child’s photograph, likeness, statements, or voice on<br />

the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong>’s website, the <strong>Museum</strong>’s annual bullet<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> activities, or on pr<strong>in</strong>ted brochures<br />

used to document and dissem<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong> activities.<br />

I also understand and agree that neither the <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> nor any other party will pay me any<br />

monies or other compensation for my child’s participation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> activities or the use <strong>of</strong><br />

his/her photograph, likeness, statements or voice.<br />

Parent/Guardian signature:<br />

School: Teacher:<br />

YES, I have read and agree with the above photo consent release.<br />

NO, I do not agree with the above photo consent release.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

Consent form


SMART MUSEUM CHAPERONE INFORMATION<br />

• Two adult chaperones must accompany each school classroom. A chaperone can be a<br />

<strong>teacher</strong>, other school staff member, or a parent.<br />

• Chaperones are responsible for the tour group’s behavior and safety while at the<br />

<strong>Museum</strong>. <strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> docents will be lead<strong>in</strong>g your tour group through the <strong>Museum</strong><br />

but are NOT expected to be discipl<strong>in</strong>arians—this is the primary responsibility <strong>of</strong> the<br />

chaperone and classroom <strong>teacher</strong>.<br />

• Children must receive permission from the chaperone to leave the tour group (for<br />

emergency rest room situations) while the tour is <strong>in</strong> progress—the chaperone is<br />

responsible for monitor<strong>in</strong>g this child and shepherd<strong>in</strong>g he/she back to the tour group.<br />

We expect that each <strong>teacher</strong> will address rest room/dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g founta<strong>in</strong> issues PRIOR to<br />

leav<strong>in</strong>g school or prior to the group enter<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Museum</strong> galleries if required.<br />

• The <strong>Museum</strong> does not allow <strong>in</strong>k pens, touch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> objects, or food and dr<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> the<br />

galleries. Backpacks and umbrellas must also rema<strong>in</strong> at the front desk. Visitors are asked<br />

to rema<strong>in</strong> a safe (three foot) distance from the museum objects for the safety <strong>of</strong> the<br />

artwork.<br />

• Photography <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Museum</strong>’s permanent collection artwork is allowed (without a flash),<br />

but please refra<strong>in</strong> from tak<strong>in</strong>g photos <strong>in</strong> the special exhibitions.<br />

• Chaperones are welcome to br<strong>in</strong>g younger children (sibl<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> your school-aged child)<br />

to the <strong>Museum</strong> but we ask that young children not disrupt the tour.<br />

• Chaperones are welcome to participate <strong>in</strong> the tour and ask questions <strong>of</strong> the docent, but<br />

remember that the docent is primarily ask<strong>in</strong>g questions <strong>of</strong> the students. The tour is<br />

designed as a learn<strong>in</strong>g activity for the class.<br />

• Students who are disrupt<strong>in</strong>g the group and who cannot follow <strong>in</strong>struction by the<br />

<strong>Museum</strong> docent will be asked to leave the tour. Groups that are repeatedly warned about<br />

behavior issues will be asked to leave the <strong>Museum</strong>.<br />

<strong>Smart</strong> <strong>Museum</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Art</strong>, The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Chicago<br />

Chaperone <strong>in</strong>formation

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