Junior Docent School Program - Milwaukee Art Museum

Tour Descriptions and Information
Year 1 (3 rd grade): Understanding Art
Theme: Investigate
Three tours:
Experiencing Art Through the Senses
o Students discover works of art through the senses.
Elements of Art 1
o Students investigate line, shape, and color in works of art.
Elements of Art 2
o Students investigate texture and space in works of art.
Tour: Experiencing Art Through the Senses
Background
Our senses are the means by which we know what is happening in our environment.
The five senses – hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch provide information to the brain
allowing one to experience that sense. Visually, the senses can be stimulated allowing
the viewer to experience a work of art. A painting of a fish may evoke the sense of smell
or taste. Likewise, a portrait of a person crying may evoke the emotion of sadness in the
viewer. Senses may also include a sense of humor, sense of balance, and sense of
motion.
Objectives:
Student will experience art using their senses (basic five, plus sense of humor,
sense of balance, sense of motion, etc.)
Students will develop vocabulary for looking at and discussing visual art
Students will have experiences to create connections to their personal lives, to
“see beyond the picture frame”
Incorporate activities involving touching real objects, physical movement, music,
and poetry
PRIMARY POINT: Exploring art can take place through our five senses. When
discussing a specific sense, docents will refer to the five senses and guide the students
in making personal connections with their senses and the work of art.
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JDSP – Docent Packet