Research tells us that creativity in this country is declining, most severely in children ages 6-12. One essential component of creativity is critical thinking. Critical thinking skills are the focus of a nearly 50-year partnership with Columbus City Schools (CCS), the largest district in the state of Ohio. As part of the partnership all Columbus City School fifth graders participate in Artful Reading, a three-part program that features a classroom visit, a museum visit, and a studio project. Museum educators work with CCS art teachers to provide professional development throughout the year.
Further recognizing that a child’s curiosity and learning must be supported by parents, CMA also launched Columbus City Schools Day for Families in 2009. CCS Day for Families is an annual day-long event at the Columbus Museum of Art, welcoming all CCS students, families, CCS teachers, and administrators. This free event highlights the partnership between CMA and CCS and reinforces the importance of the arts in the school while also seeking to make CCS families feel welcome at the Museum. On April 2, 2017, the Museum hosted more than 5,200 visitors for this annual celebration – many for the first time. CCS student groups performed music and dance throughout the building, Artful Reading student projects were on display, and a special visitor gallery experience led families on a self-guided exploration. See below for a highlight of snapshots from the day.
Share YOUR photos from CCS Day for Families: @columbusmuseum #myCMA #spiritofccs.
