Taking It Home
Part of World of Wonder, Grades K-1
Imagine a glorious full moon coming over the tops of the spruce, big and yellow, shedding a mysterious light on everything... the moonlight had colour, you could see to paint and be able to appreciate the colour of things. — Arthur Lismer, Canadian Unitarian artist, 1948
IN TODAY'S SESSION... we affirmed the value of appreciating Earth's natural beauty. We heard a story about Canadian Unitarian Arthur Lismer, an artist and art educator who was inspired by the natural world. We took turns being Cameras and Photographers, taking pictures of beauty in nature and "developing" them on paper.
EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about ways your family can enjoy the natural world even more often. On the Harvard Square Library website, read about Arthur Lismer's camping trips and how they inspired his art.
EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Try... nature-inspired games, gardening, stargazing, or even cloud watching. Read Christine Rafal's brief article, about how nature has always inspired people to express their creativity.
A Family Adventure. Turn the ideas you talked about into real explorations—take a hike! Pack a picnic! Swing into a swimming hole! Love the Earth and all the ways she supports and inspires us... because what we love, we protect.
Family Discovery. On the Art is Fun website, explore artists who were inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Research famous paintings online and have each family member share their favorites. Better yet, visit a local art museum or photography exhibit together.
A Family Game. Ask your child to show you how to be a Camera and Photographer. Have all family members take turns creating pictures.
A Family Ritual. If you eat dinner together, perhaps designate one night a week to open the meal by hearing from each family member about something beautiful they experienced outdoors.