Master Class: Toddler Learning through the Masterworks

In This Feature

Master Lessons

How can parents apply works of the Masters to early childhood education?

  • Hang prints on the wall at eye level so children can study famous paintings up close. Prints can be purchased in art stores, online, or checked out from the library. You can also find magnets, coffee mugs, and calendars that feature artwork by the Masters.

  • Discuss colors and shapes in the art. Can your child name the color or shape? Can he or she find another object of the same color or shape?

  • Talk about the distance of items in the print. Close-up items are larger than ones far away. Look out the window to see how this same concept is true in reality.

  • Identify items in the print. For instance, in Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, a child can identify the stars, houses, trees, darkness, and even the wind.

  • Use descriptive words to discuss the prints. Help your child learn how to describe items with words.

  • Link art and life through literature. For example, read Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Discuss the emotion on Max's face when he is angry. Look at some of Rembrandt's sketches. What emotions do the subjects express? Ask your child how he expresses emotion.

  • For an easy-to-clean, finger-painting center, tape newspaper over a low windowsill, lay a drop cloth on the floor, and tape a piece of white paper to the window. A child can paint on the paper and the window. The natural backdrop, as seen through the window, may provide inspiration for your budding artist.

  • Dance to classical music with your child. Let him explore whole-body movement in any way he chooses. Encourage him with applause and supportive words.

  • Provide instruments for your child to mimic the syntax of music. Instruments can be as simple as a coffee can filled with dry beans or a wooden spoon and a pan.

    • Sign Up for Our Newsletters
    Follow Us
    from beyond babyzone:
    Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
    Real-mom dispatches from the Baby Zone
    watch more videos
    X

    more in BabyZone

    10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
    10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
    read more >