Tips for Educators and Staff
The goal of the Matter at Hand program is to provide meaningful experiences for a wide variety of groups with special needs, through the viewing and creation of art in one of the nation's most renowned museums of modern and contemporary art. Here are some suggestions that will help you and your group get the most out of the Matter at Hand program.
Prior to Your Visit
- Please be sure to fill out the Visit Request Form as completely as you can. Feel free to attach extra notes or information about your group. The form helps us to best meet the goals and interests of your group.
- Please make sure that the Education Department receives your Visit Request Form at least one week in advance of your visit.
- Call with any questions or concerns, or if you are running late the day of your visit.
In the Gallery
- Name tags are helpful.
- Stay with your group and be an active participant and role model for your participants/students. There are many interesting things to see in the Gallery, but we will not have time for them all. When you focus, it will help everyone in your group to stay focused as well.
- Feel free to add your own thoughts and comments when viewing artwork, but try to keep an open and positive attitude.
- Be aware of participants/students who may have difficulty keeping their hands to themselves and be sure to have enough staff so that they can be closely monitored.
- When necessary, participants/students who are having difficulty in the Gallery can be taken by staff to the classroom to regain their composure.
In the Classroom
- Our goal is to allow participants/students to express themselves freely through the creation of art. For the most part, there are no right or wrong answers.
- You know your participants/students best. Please give them the greatest amount of independence as possible in making their creations.
- While staying actively involved with your participants/students, allow them an opportunity to surprise you with their creativity.
Please use the tour and art activity as an opportunity to reinforce goals and/or curriculum such as personal space, manners, or particular lessons.
