The Alberta Bair Theatre was built on the original Charles Bair homestead. It was originally called the Fox Theatre. It opened its doors November 13, 1931. The theatre began a renovation project in 1987. Alberta Bair gave the lead gift for the project. The theatre was named in her honor.
"The Fox Theater had the distinction of being the last Art Deco style theater in the United States built by the 20th Century Fox Corporation and designed by Robert C. Reamer." Alberta Bair Theatre/History
Today the Alberta Theatre is home to great theatre and educational opportunities for students, teachers, and community. I had the good fortune to attend a class there on Visual Thinking Strategies. There are three basic questions to ask students as they look at a piece of art.
Basic VTS
"The Fox Theater had the distinction of being the last Art Deco style theater in the United States built by the 20th Century Fox Corporation and designed by Robert C. Reamer." Alberta Bair Theatre/History
Today the Alberta Theatre is home to great theatre and educational opportunities for students, teachers, and community. I had the good fortune to attend a class there on Visual Thinking Strategies. There are three basic questions to ask students as they look at a piece of art.
Basic VTS
- What's going on in this picture?
- What do you see that makes you say that?
- What else can you find?
I have used this technique with picture books. My students love the opportunity to really look at the art work and share their thoughts. My three favorite books to use this with is "Rosie's Walk" by Pat Hutchins and two books by David Weisner "Flotsam" and "Tuesday". The kids love these stories, and it is great to see the stories the illustrators tell.
I really like those 3 questions, I will be using them with teachers and students. They would also be good for studying pictures related to social studies and science. Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteThe VTS site looks good, Ruth. And I liked the information you gave from there about the questions. I will share! The A-Z challenge also sounds interesting; can you tell us more?
ReplyDeleteI found the challenge on Tossing it Out tossingitout.blogspot.com/p/sign-up-for-to-z-challenge.html
ReplyDeleteYou are supposed to write 26 posts - one for each letter of the alphabet. You can use poems, recipes, songs - anything. There are over 1000 people who accepted the challenge. It is currently closed for new participants.
I thought the idea was intriguing and would make a great classroom project.
The VTS is really fun. It's hard not saying anything just repeating the questions and giving the kids the opportunity to clarify their thinking. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Thanks for the information. I'll do some investigating. The A-Z does sound fun for the challenge, but I could just do it myself too, & I certainly will share with the rest of the school. Will also share the VTS stuff. We've been working hard on questioning techniques this year.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about care for theaters and a deep focus on the image.
ReplyDeleteA great slice,
Bonnie
I like the A-Z challenge, I really like that it's about Montana too. If you get a chance check out Hbar Hat Works for H in Billings! The owner is a HOOT! With his Handlebar mustache and Handsome face, and of course his Handmade Hats! Ok... can you tell I'm related to him (my brother)? I'll be looking forward to B-Z!
ReplyDeleteI will have to check that out! I've driven by his place often. I guess it really is a small place. Love the alliteration
ReplyDeleteKagan Publishing has some great materials on questioning called Q-Matrix http://www.kaganonline.com/catalog/higher-level_thinking.php#BWCT
It helps teach kids how to ask deeper questions.
I meant to say a small world. Such interesting connections.
ReplyDelete