Education

Learning at the Hofstra University Museum

Education is at the core of the mission of the Hofstra University Museum and integral to the development and design of all programming.

Our programs stimulate learning about art and the creative process through the intimate experience of viewing original artworks, and investigating art history, social context and artistic practices. The Museum aspires to be a place of synergy where artists, curators, scholars, students and visitors engage together, and where the arts become a vital part of the fabric of the University and the surrounding community.

Hofstra University Faculty

Guided Tours For Hofstra University faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni groups are free of charge. Reservations are required. | more |

School Groups and Educator Resources

Guided Tours for High Schools, Middle Schools, and Elementary Schools are available for a fee of $5.00 per student. Fee waivers available under special circumstances. Reservations are required.
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School Groups
Guided tours facilitate inquiry-based discussion of the artwork, followed by hands-on activities that explore aspects of the exhibition. A museum educator or docent serves as facilitator, encouraging students in the class to talk about what they are looking at, thereby translating the visual image into words. It is well documented that visual literacy helps children and teens develop critical thinking skills. It also provides a means of self-expression and communication, encourages creative problem-solving, and strengthens confidence and self-esteem. Our programs address the New York State Learning Standards and serve to enhance the curriculum.
Elementary School (Grades K-5) Learning to Look Session: 90 minutes
Introduce students to the basic elements of art, the vocabulary of art, and the museum visit experience. This tour introduces the fundamental compositional elements of art: line, value, color, texture, form, shape and space. Discover the techniques and tricks artists use to achieve motion, perspective, illumination and texture. A hands-on component gives students the opportunity to experiment with the techniques introduced.
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Mirror on Life Session: 90 minutes
Discover connections between the past and present times through original works of art that reflect a changing society. Participate in stimulating discussions and hands-on art experiences in the galleries. Students will create personal expressions that draw upon current ideas and issues.
High School (Grades 9-12) Which Ism is it? Session: 90 minutes
Identify and discuss examples of major "isms" and art movements in conjunction with our current exhibition. Sessions explore the points of view of specific artists as well the mediums and processes of making artwork. Students examine works of art in relation to the social and political context in which they were created. This discussion-based approach to learning about art helps strengthen students' observation and analytical skills. A hands-on component further underscores lessons learned through discussions.
Hofstra After School (Grades 9-12) Art Lab
In this 10-week session, teens explore the behind-the-scenes workings of the museum world. Students discuss original works of art in the galleries, and create visual as well as written responses, to the works as they learn to critique and analyze the works on view. Visits with museum professionals such as curators, designers, and educators, introduce various related museum careers. Limited to twelve (12) teens per session. Teens can earn community service credits. Day: Monday Time: 3:30-6:00 p.m. Fall semester: September through November. Spring semester: February through April Please call for more information and fees.

Educator Resources
Click here for Exhibition Gallery Guides

Guided Tours for Adult Groups and Community Groups are available for a fee of $3.00 per person. Reservations are required.

Click here for Family Programs and Calendar of Events.

Click here to learn about our JPMorgan Chase Art Travelers through Time: Literacy and History through the Arts program.

For more information or to schedule group tours please call:
Nancy Richner
Museum Education Director
(516) 463-4041
E-mail
or
Hofstra University Museum
(516) 463-5672