Toys

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Aims:

Children enjoying the Toys workshop

  • To make the visit to a public art gallery an enjoyable and memorable experience
  • To introduce and welcome young visitors to the Art Gallery building and key pieces from its collections
  • To explore the differences between toys in the nineteenth century and toys we use today
  • To expand their vocabulary for describing toys as they are portrayed in a key selection of paintings, 'toy' exhibits and through the use of a range of toys

What happens in a session:

  • The session is made up of two parts - a talk and tour around the Gallery, exploring a selection of art works through discussion, and a practical session in the studios
  • Pupils will be able to look closely at exhibits, using them to develop ideas about toys from the past
  • In the practical workshop, pupils will develop their understanding of toys by exploring a selection of handling items, including dolls and games, looking at toys from the past and the different materials that have been used to construct toys
  • The tour will be led by a Gallery Educator who will stay with the group throughout

Preparation:

  • Prior to the visit, discuss the value of directly experiencing 'real' objects through a gallery visit
  • In the classroom, discuss children's own toys, their favourites, the way they are made and what they are made from. Compare the similarities and differences.
  • Explain the reasons for no touching or eating in the galleries, i.e. for the protection and conservation of artworks
  • Bring a minimum of 1 adult to 5 pupils and ensure that adults are briefed to be aware of their supervisory role and responsibilities for engaging the children

Follow up:

  • Ask the pupils to bring in a toy from home and compare with a toy or object they remember from the Gallery visit
  • Select one of the older paintings from the visit to continue analysis with the class, using storytelling techniques
  • The pupils could create a modern day interpretation of the selected painting by replacing the people, toys and surroundings with images the pupils can associate with. Collage techniques could be explored using magazines and photographs.

For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.