Make a Masterpiece -- Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte: (Little Activity Books)
Little Activity Books Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This imaginative activity book invites children to engage with Georges Seurat's famous pointillist painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte'. Through a series of fun and educational activities, children can explore the art and techniques of Seurat, learn about the historical context of the painting, and even try their hand at creating their own pointillist artwork. The book features the park's landscape from the painting with the characters transformed into stickers. Children can use these stickers to re-create Seurat's original work or create a new masterpiece of their own, using the image of the real painting on the back cover as a reference.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
4 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions do you feel when you look at the characters in the painting? Why do you think they might feel that way?
How does the artist use colors and dots to create the picture? What happens when you look at it from different distances?
Can you imagine what the people in the painting are talking about or thinking? What stories can you create from this scene?
Why do you think the artist chose this particular scene to paint? What makes it special or interesting?
If you could step into the painting, what would you do first? Who would you like to talk to?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the painting, and validate their responses to build confidence.
Point out specific elements in the painting, like colors, patterns, or expressions, to help guide the conversation and engage deeper observation skills.
Use open-ended questions to inspire creativity and critical thinking, allowing the child to explore different perspectives and interpretations.
Relate the painting to personal experiences or familiar scenes to make the discussion more relatable and engaging for the child.
Encourage storytelling or role-playing based on the characters and activities depicted in the painting to deepen understanding and make the interaction more fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Pointillism
Explanation: The book educates children on the technique of pointillism used by Seurat, encouraging attention to detail and observation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this technique in their own art projects, learning to appreciate and implement finer details in their work.
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: The meticulous nature of Seurat's pointillism technique highlights the value of patience and dedication.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of taking their time to achieve desired results, whether in academics, arts, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Outdoor Activities
Explanation: The depiction of people leisurely spending time outdoors encourages children to value and engage in outdoor activities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to participate in outdoor play, exploring nature and fostering a love for the environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through the diverse characters and activities illustrated, children gain insights into 19th-century European culture.
Real-World Application: This can make children more culturally aware and appreciative of history and different ways of life.