Art + Literacy at The Art Institute of Chicago
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for elementary school-aged children with no special physical requirements.
Overview
Designed for 3rd to 5th graders, the Art + Literacy tour at The Art Institute of Chicago transforms art viewing into an engaging literacy challenge. Dive deep into three artworks while enhancing critical thinking and collaboration inside one of Chicago’s premier cultural destinations.
Art + Literacy
1 hour • Grades 3 - 5
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About This Adventure
Explore the museum's diverse collection in an engaging one-hour tour designed for 3rd-5th graders. Students will enhance their literacy skills by analyzing three artworks, collaborating to uncover artists' perspectives, and creatively reflecting on their insights. This immersive experience fosters appreciation for diverse ideas and promotes meaningful learning.
Investigate artworks from across the museum's vast collection!
Duration
1 Hour
About
Learners will build their cross-disciplinary literacy skills as they explore 3 artworks from the museum’s collection. Students will engage in close reading of works of art, use evidence to make inferences about key ideas and themes, collaboratively decode and analyze artists’ perspectives, and reflect on their learning through creative response. Our student-centered strategies will support learners in valuing their own and others’ ideas, experiences, and perspectives as tools for meaning-making.
This tour is aligned with national arts, reading, and media literacy standards for 3rd-5th grade.
More info
1 adult per 5 students in a 2nd-5th grade general education classroom; up to 1 adult per student in Inclusive Teaching and Self-Contained Classrooms
Adventure Tips
Book Early for School Groups
Tours fill quickly, especially during weekdays; reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Plan for Adult Supervision
The program requires one adult per five students in general classrooms, so arrange accompanying adults accordingly.
Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Allow extra time for check-in to ensure a prompt start to the tour inside the museum.
Use Public Transit or Parking Options
Chicago’s downtown area is best accessed by public transport; parking can be limited and costly nearby.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds such as pigeons and sparrows common near the museum plaza
- Squirrels frequenting Grant Park across the street
History
The Art Institute of Chicago was established in 1879 and has grown to become one of the largest and most influential art museums in the United States.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainability through energy-efficient building management and environmentally conscious exhibition practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Footwear
Museum tours involve walking and standing; sturdy shoes ensure comfort.
Notebook and Pencil
Useful for jotting down thoughts and reflections during and after the tour.
Light Jacket
Chicago’s fall weather can be cool; a light jacket keeps kids comfortable traveling to and from the museum.
fall specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before or after your indoor visit, especially on warm summer days.
summer specific