In partnership with the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, the Academy Art Museum’s new Mini Masters Academy introduces young children to new ideas through a thematic approach to learning that emphasizes relationships and the ability to make meaningful connections. The rich resources of the Academy Art Museum offer a wonderful venue for teaching these sensory explorations. The resources come in many forms, from artwork to museum professionals. The focus might be a single piece of art within a collection, an entire exhibition or a visiting artist or musician. Children learn to express their feelings and ideas as they talk about objects and works of art they see in the Museum. Mini Masters Academy embraces a child-centered approach to learning and offers activities that build awareness through sensory experiences.
Ann S. Hansen, who has been the Museum’s Art Reach and Art to Go Educator since 2013, has been appointed the new director and head teacher for the Mini Masters Academy. She holds a Master of Education in elementary education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. Prior to working at the Museum, Ann worked as a teacher with Friends School of Baltimore. She will be assisted by Nancy Fox who has worked with the Academy Art Museum’s preschool program for the last three years. Nancy has also worked as a volunteer for 14 years with both the Saints Peter and Paul School and the Talbot County Public Schools.
Hansen comments, “We are creating a new, colorful, and interactive environment for our program.” She adds, “We will use a team approach to learning, utilizing the Museum’s many resources, while creating new and exciting learning opportunities.”
Children’s literature, objects and visual images are the key elements of almost every experience. Activities are planned to encourage discussion and increase vocabulary. The curriculum offers a wide range of possibilities and introduces, develops and ties together individual skills in a meaningful way. Skills are also related to the real world and situations that children might encounter.
Children learn to express their feelings and ideas as they talk about objects and works of art they see in the museum. Mini Masters Academy embraces a child-centered approach to learning and offers activities that build awareness through sensory experiences.
The school year begins on Tuesday, September 8th and continues through May 13, 2016. The program follows the vacation and cancellation schedule of the Talbot County Public Schools. The schedule is flexible. Two year olds can attend either two or three days per week, while three and four year olds can attend up to four days per week with an option to attend a full day program. The Museum is now accepting deposits for the 2015-2016 school year. An informational open house will be held in August. Complete information packets are available at the Museum or online at academyartmuseum.org. For additional information or to register, contact Janet Hendricks at 410-822-2787 or [email protected].
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