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clyfford still | museum
clyfford still | museum
A teacher kneels on the floor and talks to a pre-k student visiting the Clyfford Still Museum
Pre-k students raise their hands while sitting on the floor of an art museum
Pre-kindergarten class visit, photo by CSM

Lesson for Pre-Kindergarten: Paint and Play

In spring 2024, we worked with eleven preschool teachers at seven schools and ECE centers. Participating teachers explored the Museum and Clyfford Still’s artwork, then developed a test experience to try with their students. Students looked, moved, painted, felt, played, and explored. Teachers provided feedback about their experiment and their recommendations for the Museum’s first pre-k experiences. We designed a pilot experience based on their findings and suggestions. In the fall of 2024, we invited teachers to experience our pilot lesson and provide feedback to ensure that our workshops are fun, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to schools’ needs. Full implementation of Pre-K experiences began in January 2025.

To participate, fill out the form on the request page.

Request an Experience Today

Experience Overview:

Big Ideas:

  • The Clyfford Still Museum is a place for me.
  • I can play to explore materials.
  • I can express my ideas and emotions.

Learning Targets:

  • I can be myself.
  • I can explore.
  • I can play.
  • I can experiment.
  • My ideas are important.

What will we do?

Visit 1: Experimenting with color – In the classroom, 30 minutes

  • Introduce the Museum and Clyfford Still.
  • Look closer at a colorful abstract painting and share ideas and feelings.
  • Play with materials to explore color and color mixing.

Visit 2: Visiting the Museum – At the Museum, 90 minutes (including transitions)

  • Build community with CSM educators and feel welcome in the Museum.
  • Discover ways to explore the Museum.
  • Play with materials to experiment with ideas and express emotions.
  • Play with colors and shapes to explore feelings.

OR

Visit 2: Exploring Abstraction – In the classroom, 30 minutes

  • Build community with CSM educators.
  • Respond to abstract art with movement.
  • Play with colors and shapes to explore feelings.

Visit 3: Exploring Paint – In the classroom, 60 minutes

  • Discover painting tools and materials.
  • Choose colors and tools to experiment with paint on canvas.
  • Paint on a large collaborative canvas with other students.
  • Display your collaborative artwork in the classroom.