Museum Monday: A Blue Hippo? #Blog365 Day 88

 Hmmm, a blue hippo?  Museum Monday?

This summer, I was fortunate enough to listen and then present at a department meeting in the Colonial Williamsburg Education Department. One of the many energenic and young staff members had just returned from her recent visit to The Met to share about an new approach to museum tours called a "museum hack."  I listened with great intrigue and then appreciated this small gift store momento she picked up along the way. The entire musuem hack idea sounds rather intriquing as these tours are very intimate, fast paced and chocked full of more obscure, yet engaging tidbits of information.  

Ahh, one more adventure to add to the bucket list.

Anyhow, back to first grade.  During the month of December we focus our studies around New York City.  I do this for many reasons, including the diversity and festivities during the holiday season.  The city also offers some wonderful mini studies including the Statue of Liberty and immigration, buildings and transportation and MUSEUMS!!  Yes, it's museum week.

As I was gathering my books and other resources, remembered a fabulous video that I have used in the past.  It took me way too long to find this gem, which is one of the main reasons that I wanted to share.  My kids loved it today!  The video is from the Met and is and introduction to some of the masters within the Met.  PLEASE, PLEASE check out the video!

Met Sing-A-Long

Standing Hippopotamus

William the Hippo, the "unofficial" mascot of the Met

As my class began watching the video, I noticed that it began with the same blue hippo I had held in the meeting in Williamsburg.  I needed to know more.  It turns out that this little blue hippo is originally from Egypt (please see the museum information for a complete description).  I then did more research and came across the #MetKidsBlog with further questions on William the Hippo.  This letter to William from a child only reinforced that artifacts are an excellent teaching tool within the classroom.

Artifacts naturally prompt questions. 

Questions create learning.

Learning opens doors.