School Tours: Art Tales: The Cow Who Fell in the Canal
by Phyllis Krasilovsky
Ages 4–6
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Art Tales provides an engaging three-step process for exploring works of art. Children's literature is used to introduce themes in art; students are then encouraged to apply these themes when observing and discussing the works of art in the galleries. An art activity at the end of each program helps students make hands-on connections between the themes discussed and the works observed.
Looking and Learning Skills
Art Tales: The Cow Who Fell in the Canal teaches students that museums are places in which to see, discuss, and make art, and that works of art, like the story, can tell us about Dutch life and landscape. On this tour, students:
- Become familiar with museum settings
- Look for clues in a work of art and compare two works of art
- Use their imaginations to connect works of art they see to works of art they make
Book Summary
The Cow Who Fell in the Canal is the story of a dairy cow named Hendrika from Holland. Hendrika lives on a farm, but longs to see the wonderful sights of the city. One day, she falls into a canal and floats to town, where she enjoys the people, houses, cobblestone streets, stores, and market. In the end, she returns home with her farmer, Mr. Hofstra, and with many new memories to enjoy while chewing the grass in the pasture.
Group Size: Up to 30 students
Length: 45–60 minutes
Meeting Location: West Building, Rotunda, Main Floor
Museum policies
Student lunches
General information
What Gallery resources are available on this theme?
- NGAClassroom: Painting in the Dutch Golden Age
- NGAKids: Dutch Dollhouse
What is object-based teaching and learning?