Young @ Art

This is our second week of Young @ Art, an art program for two to five year olds at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Calendar_and_Events/Kids_Programs/Young_@_Art.aspx

We go every Tuesday morning and Connor is really loving it. Each month has a different theme. The theme for March was "Discover Virginia" and focused on some of the exhibits on loan from the Jamestown Museum. Each week the children have playtime, listen to a story, visit an exhibit in the museum and then make an art project related to the exhibit.

I was so surprised to see how well Connor listens to the teacher. I was expecting him to give her the same look that he gives me when I try to tell him to do something, the look that says "not now, Mom." Instead, when the teacher says, "Connor, can you find a spot on the rug to sit for story time?" or "Connor, can you show the children what you made?" he smiles a little nervously and follows her instructions. He especially likes when the teacher gives the museum rules at the beginning of each class. The rules are (1) Walk like we're tip-toeing, (2) Talk with really low voices, and (3) Do not no touch the art. Connor then proceeds to creep slowly around the museum with his lips pursed shut and his hands behind his back.

Poor Michael. As usual, art class falls right during his nap time. I bring a bottle, some Baby Mumm-Mumms, and some toys to try to keep him happy but he starts to get a little grumpy the last ten minutes of class. When class begins, he plays on the rug with all the other children and has a blast licking and eating all the toys. Then he is relegated to his stroller for the remainder of class. I keep telling him it will be his turn very soon.

Here are some photos of Connor and Michael the first week of class, outside in the scupture garden as well as some photos of Connor in class today. He loved using the glue.