Spring is on the way and I am ready to get out and explore again. Why not take a field trip? I am getting ready to venture out with my 3rd graders and thought I would pass along some tips for preparing your students for a wonderful and educational visit.

Before You Go

Spend a couple of days viewing any pictures you can find of the exhibit or things that are similar to those in the exhibit. It is so delightful to see something up close and in person. Colors and textures are often different from a photo or online image. It can feel like you found the treasure when your students discover something that they have only seen in pictures.

Do a bit of fact-finding. Find out more about the artist or the time period that you will be seeing at the exhibit. The back story always adds depth to what you will be experiencing and allows students to learn from what they know to what they don’t know.

Etiquette

Yes, there is museum etiquette and it should be followed if you would like to return. Now while many museums understand the natural curiosity of children they still expect conduct to be appropriate. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Watch out for others

It is natural to want to get close but keep in mind that your students are not the only ones visiting the museum. Take a closer look but then move on to the next piece so that others can see it too. And never walk in front of someone who is already looking at the piece it is awfully inconsiderate.

Don’t get too close

There are often sensors that can go off if you get too close to a piece. These are to keep these valuable artifacts and works of art safe. Be mindful of your location and don’t get too close to a piece on the walls or those in cases and on pedestals.

Don’t touch

Artwork is never to be touched unless the docent instructs you that it is alright to do so. This is unusual and it would most likely be a replicate of the original artifact or artwork. Our hands have oils and dirt on them that can be transferred to the art and over time this can damage the piece.

Keep your voice down

Remind your students that this isn’t the playground and that only quiet respectful voices are allowed. Museums are a place for thinking and taking in the beauty one sees, this is hard to do when there are loud disruptions.

Move around carefully

Slow down and be careful. Students should never run in a museum. Again, this is not the playground.

Read the Museum Labels

So much can be learned from taking a moment to read the museum labels and signs posted in the exhibit. They often add depth, history, and other factual information to what you are seeing, including practical descriptions of the art what medium was used and on what type of surface.

Follow a Docent

If time permits, docents can be arranged ahead of time and often bring about an additional sense of order to your visit. They are able to optimize the time you have at the museum. Docents are knowledgeable and can speak into the exhibit in ways that viewing on your own won’t. They can also answer questions, which can be helpful too, especially with extra curious children.

Post-Visit

I usually have a discussion about the visit after we return to school. I like hearing how students gained insight and which was their favorite. This is an important step as an educator because it is a way to check and assess the experience for student learning and enrichment. We can also discuss things that went well or things to do differently next time.

Write a Thank You Note

The art of gratitude is always appreciated. Make sure to thank your docent and museum staff for their time. Large groups of kids can be stressful and it is always nice to know you are appreciated and that the students got something out the visit.