To support these types of conversations, our Education staff recently created a Conversation Guide. This 2-page guide includes a few suggestions to spark thinking and conversation during your visit to the Museum as well as before and after your visit. Feel free to print this guide, and share it with others. The guide also include additional resources to learn more about dialogue and teaching.
WHY DIALOGUE?
Dialogue is a powerful mode of conversation that genuinely seeks mutual understanding. It can occur between friends, co-workers, family members, and even among strangers. And it can certainly occur between people who do not share the same experiences, perspectives, or ideas. Learning to listen carefully and disagree respectfully are essential skills in today’s world.
TALKING & LISTENING STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES
Talking about difficult topics with kids can be challenging. Children are curious and constantly ask questions about the world around them. In one breath, they might ask about a range of topics — from the weather to something they heard on the news. Whether at home, in the car, or here at the museum, it can be difficult to know how respond when difficult questions come up.
To help support these types of conversations here at the museum for all ages, the Conversation Guide offers a few flexible suggestions. These strategies might help your family talk together about some of the socially- or politically-relevant issues occurring in our world, or about some of the artworks you might encounter during your visit to the Museum.
“Talking in museums is one of the things that makes them matter.” – Adam Gopnik, writer