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SeaStar
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| Posted: Oct 23 2007 at 8:14pm | IP Logged
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OK- I bought the instruction book and the books for the first three steps, I am finding, though, that the directions are confusing to follow. I think I have finally figured it out that each step has three levels, and each level is supposed to be in a different color folder.
But then the directions say that I should have at least three, preferably six, folders for each level of each step. So, for step 1, level one I should have three red folders (or six). But using the books I bought I have only enough cards for one red folder for step one, level one.
Somehow I thought that buying the books made it a "complete" program- which I guess it is, but to make it what the author suggests I would have to heavily supplement with other cards. Is that right?
It just seems all very confusing...
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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stefoodie
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| Posted: Oct 23 2007 at 9:45pm | IP Logged
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LOL. Melinda, you're not the only one confused. I hope someone steps in here and explains. I've had the first three books for years, but only started using it this year as everytime I've tried to understand how it works in the past, I didn't get anywhere.
What I did was make red, blue and green folders, and sorted the artwork in a way that made sense TO ME. I figure using it without really understanding how it all works (but getting the kids exposed to the art itself anyway) is better than not doing it at all.
Someone help, please?
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stef
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Meredith
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 9:51am | IP Logged
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Well, I don't have the program anymore but am seriously thinking of bringing it back into our learning. From what I recall it's basically Montessori style matching cards so the first set in Step 1 has a matching set. Those should be in the same color folders. Then for Step 2 another color, etc. Keep in mind you may have different levels working at the same time.
There is not supposed to be a need for supplemental materials although I could see a museum trip or virtual tours of works online as being extremely beneficial 
I don't know if this helps or not, there's a link to the supplier somewhere, I'll come back later and try and link it here!
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Meredith
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JennGM
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 10:18am | IP Logged
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I am confused, too. I've gotten as far as cutting out all the cards (and annoyed that they don't all match) and the folders thing really confused me.
I think the additional art postcards are just suggestions. This Thread had some suggestions for other card sources.
Parent Child Press is the printer/distributor of Alene Wolf's works. They sell folders, too. I was thinking of calling and sorting it all out. If you call before me, let us know the results!
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Rachel May
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 10:48am | IP Logged
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I think it helps to know that each Step teaches a different skill but at different Levels of difficulty. Page 10 of the instruction book tell you which Steps are which colors.
So Step 1 teaches matching pictures which are exactly the same, but the Level 1 images are more simple than Level 2's. When the cards for teaching children to recognize and match images--the Step 1 skill-- are stored, they will be in folders of the same color (red) but there will be a separate folder for each Level of difficulty.
Since Step 2 is pairing 2 paintings by the same artist, you don't want the cards to match, but instead be easily recognizable as being similar to others by the same artist but very different from paintings by other artists. Van Gogh looks like himself but not like Kandinsky, for example. (Does that help a little, Jenn?)
I won't say I've mastered the program by any means, but I am starting to feel more comfortable with the system she uses.
I've yet to figure out what to do with our spare cards, but when I buy them, I buy 2 postcards which are exactly alike and are of a painting we have seen personally. The little ones love to play Go Fish and Concentration with them.
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ShawnaB
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 10:55am | IP Logged
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Hi, I am using this series too. Basically the set gives you enough cards to make three folders for each of the three Steps, at each of the three levels. I recommend making them up, just as the book says, and then try them out with you kids. YOu might find that Step 1 is WAY simple, and not all that interesting (match two identical paintings), OR your kids may love it. If so, then you might want to make additional folders for this Step, using additional art cards which can be purchased from Rainbow Resources. They are called "Postcard Art Books" or something like that, and each book has reproductions of pieces by one artist.
I'd do the same with Step 2 and Step 3. If your children really enjoy a particular Step, but are tired of the prints that you have, order more postcards and make up more folders.
I'm off to get wet toddlers out of the bath, so I apolize if I'm not being very clear! Feel free to ask for clarification or PM me!
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Shawna, wife of Jacob, mom to Abraham 8 Amelia 5 and Jillian & Jonathan age 3 years http://www.psalm121family.com
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happymama
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 3:04pm | IP Logged
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I've made up folders for the first 5 steps, all levels. Yes, you use 3 folders for step 1 - and if you purchase more postcards (which is a very common thing to do after visiting famous art museums,) then you could make more folders. "6" is a just a nice, random number to shoot for.
I've traveled to many famous museums and bought postcard reproductions, however that was before I had children and never thought to buy 2 copies of my favorites! You need 2 copies to make 3-part-cards.
If you follow directions slowly & carefully, it will all make sense. It actually didn't make sense to me as I was making the folders the way she says to, but step by step she also tells you how to present them, and then it all makes sense. It really is a neat program. Step 1 is simply matching, even a 2-year-old can do that. The point of it being easy though also offers encouragement to the older child, who might think, "hey, this art stuff is easy! I can do it!"
My favorite step - what I would buy if I could only choose one - is the Famous Paintings. I've been keeping these on display in our classroom, on a rotating basis - the print with the name of the artist written on it.
Hope this helps. If you've already purchased the cards, don't give up! I think they're neat, and will be useful later on as demonstrations also - there's a lot of interesting info. about the paintings on the backs of them.
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 5:32pm | IP Logged
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Hmm... every time I read the directions I think they say something different. Right now, for Step 1, I have three red folders (for levels 1,2,3). I think that's right.
My kids are enjoying the folders, anyway, even if I'm kind of winging the presentation. I had no idea when I bought the set that it would be this confusing for me.
Thanks for the help, everyone!
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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Mary Chris
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| Posted: Oct 24 2007 at 7:38pm | IP Logged
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I say do whatever Rachel does! The first time I met Rachel was at the National Gallery of Art in DC. I remember being in the gift shop standing next to her dd who maybe was 5 at the time. We were flipping through poster reproductions and she could name quite a few of the works. I can still see the face of the gentleman standing next to us as she would rattle of the titles.
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ALmom
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| Posted: Oct 26 2007 at 4:01pm | IP Logged
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Glad this question was asked. I have a bunch of postcard reproductions and the instructions but could never figure it out. I'd even laminated tons of my own copies of beautiful art from magazine covers, etc. Other than putting them out as seasonal displays, we've never used this program though I've had it for years. I just got intimidated by instructions I couldn't seem to wrap my brain around. It doesn't help that I'm as ignorant about art as I am about music and science. Looks like I should try again with these hints here and see if I can finally get a handle on it.
Janet
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Rachel May
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| Posted: Oct 27 2007 at 9:34am | IP Logged
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Mary Chris, I had forgottn all about that! 
Janet, I firmly believe this program should come with a support group..... 
I meant to add, I've never put my cards on the white backings. Has anyone else? Do you think it's necessary?
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vmalott
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| Posted: Oct 27 2007 at 12:31pm | IP Logged
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Rachel May wrote:
| I meant to add, I've never put my cards on the white backings. Has anyone else? Do you think it's necessary? |
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I think that recommendation was made before the Child-Sized Masterpieces books were created. You'll notice the books have the white background surrounding each card, as well as the color-coded dots that the instruction book refers to. So, it wouldn't be necessary to add another backing. Also, the backs of the cards from the books have the step and level printed on them, as well as some information about the artwork.
And, while it's confusing at first, once you sit down and get the different steps and levels in order (the folders ARE helpful), it's not as hard as it seems. I think the confusing part is that the first three books contain three steps, but the book is sold according to the level of difficulty (so each book for steps 1-3, contain matching, pairing and sorting).
Valerie
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Marcia
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| Posted: Nov 02 2007 at 9:05pm | IP Logged
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We use this. It is very helpful for the kids. When we did beyond FIAR this year we had a major rabbit trail with the Box Car Children for haystacks. We were able to pull out our Breugel painting from CSM (Child Sized Masterpieces) and use them. Also we found loads of other haystacks in art.
You will be suprised (sweetly surprised) that your kids will GET IT! Start slowly and then present them all to them.
As said above the current postcards only need to be cut, not pasted on white cardstock. Just put them in the colored folders for your own sanity. I used colored dots to make the kids know where to put their cards in the folders...if the cards have yellow and green dots then put those colored dots on the insides of the folders for them to go back where they belong.
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Trouble with Childsize Masterpieces
