Enrichment for an Art Themed Chapter Book
Now that your child has read the classic book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, enjoy these enrichment ideas for a cross curricular study!
Writing- Essays regarding this amazing, classic book are a perfect way for your homeschooler to hone his or her writing skills. Here are several prompts to explore:
1. Do you agree with Claudia's choice to run away? Why or why not? What other ways could she have handled her problems at home?
2. What reasons do you feel Jamie had for going slong on a runaway trip with his sister? Do you think any of this had to do with his guilt over chating in cards? Why or why not?
3. Write a week's worth of journal entries from either the diary/journal of Claudia or Jamie. Be specific as to what their experience was as they were living at the museum.
4. What about the angel do you think inspired and intrigued Claudia? How would you have responded if you were presented with that same art mystery?
Art History- Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art online with your child. There are lots of online tours, along with many interactive online exhibits. Of course, visiting the museum itself is the first best choice, but many folks are nowhere near this iconic museum. Thank goodness for the internet! There is a childrens section on the site as well, which is under "MuseumKids" and "Explore and Learn". The activities are geared for all ages, but ones appropriate for the older elementary and early middle crowd are Art of the First Cities, Marduk, King of the Gods, and China in the Classroom. Don't forget to check out some FAQ's on Claudia and Jamie's adventure there, too. You can find this link, as well as the main museum link at the end of this article.
Math- Your children can help create word problems based on the adventures of Claudia and Jamie. First, ask your homeschooler to make a chart of the references to the cost of things in the book. Next, have your child research the cost of these items today (breakfast, a museum ticket to the Met, etc.)Then challenge your child to help you create word problems based on these facts, including percentage increases. Don't forget to solve the problems, too! Keep in mind that the book was written in 1967.
Writing- Essays regarding this amazing, classic book are a perfect way for your homeschooler to hone his or her writing skills. Here are several prompts to explore:
1. Do you agree with Claudia's choice to run away? Why or why not? What other ways could she have handled her problems at home?
2. What reasons do you feel Jamie had for going slong on a runaway trip with his sister? Do you think any of this had to do with his guilt over chating in cards? Why or why not?
3. Write a week's worth of journal entries from either the diary/journal of Claudia or Jamie. Be specific as to what their experience was as they were living at the museum.
4. What about the angel do you think inspired and intrigued Claudia? How would you have responded if you were presented with that same art mystery?
Art History- Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art online with your child. There are lots of online tours, along with many interactive online exhibits. Of course, visiting the museum itself is the first best choice, but many folks are nowhere near this iconic museum. Thank goodness for the internet! There is a childrens section on the site as well, which is under "MuseumKids" and "Explore and Learn". The activities are geared for all ages, but ones appropriate for the older elementary and early middle crowd are Art of the First Cities, Marduk, King of the Gods, and China in the Classroom. Don't forget to check out some FAQ's on Claudia and Jamie's adventure there, too. You can find this link, as well as the main museum link at the end of this article.
Math- Your children can help create word problems based on the adventures of Claudia and Jamie. First, ask your homeschooler to make a chart of the references to the cost of things in the book. Next, have your child research the cost of these items today (breakfast, a museum ticket to the Met, etc.)Then challenge your child to help you create word problems based on these facts, including percentage increases. Don't forget to solve the problems, too! Keep in mind that the book was written in 1967.
You Should Also Read:
MET Museum Homepage
FAQ for Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
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