Reading Adventures provides opportunities for children and teens to connect with the art and cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas through engagement with the MFA collections. Teachers, parents, and group leaders work closely with Museum instructors to design customized visits that fit the interests and needs of their group. Tours are specifically designed around the images, stories, and themes found in books. Each visit lasts an hour and a half and combines a gallery tour with an art-making activity.

I have set up three programs for different ages/levels. There is some flexibility here, so if you feel your child would benefit from a different age level/program/interest, please feel free to use your own discretion when registering.

There is a limit on Chaperones for this program. For now, I have put 4 chaperones with 10 students. If we go over 10 students in each category, I will open up more spaces for both.

Grades K-3: Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile by Tomie dePaola (Ancient Egypt)

Book Description:It’s a new school year, and Bill and Pete are back in a new adventure. Their teacher, Ms. Ibis, is taking all the little crocodiles (and their toothbrushes) on a class trip to the Royal Museum. But who’s that trying to steal the Sacred Eye of Isis? Can it be the Bad Guy? Can Bill and Pete save the day once more?

Program Description: The Art and Mysteries of Ancient Egypt: Unlock the mysteries of ancient Egypt and hear about daily life in this amazing civilization. Meet our mummies and learn why and how Egyptians prepared for the afterlife.Art Activity (One of the following TBA) Clay, mummy masks, or pendants

Minimum 10 students

Cost $10/student, Chaperones free

Grades 4-7: D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire (Ancient Greece)

Book Description: No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there’s no better way of meeting that literary quota than with the D’Aulaires’ book. All the great gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told. Young readers will be dazzled by mighty Zeus, lord of the universe; stirred by elegant Athena, goddess of wisdom; intimidated by powerful Hera, queen of Olympus; and chilled by moody Poseidon, ruler of the sea. These often impetuous immortals flounce and frolic, get indiscreet, and get even. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, their actions cover the range of godly–and mortal–personalities.

Program Description:This book includes popular myths surrounding the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses. At the Museum children can see mythology depicted in ancient Greek and Roman vases, statues, and other works of art.Art Activity (One of the following TBA) Clay, masks, pendants, or puppets

Minimum 10 students

Cost $10/student, Chaperones free

Grades 8+: Monkey: Folk Novel of China (aka Journey to the West) (Ancient China)

Book Description: Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies. This translation, by the distinguished scholar Arthur Waley, is the first accurate English version; it makes available to the Western reader a faithful reproduction of the spirit and meaning of the original.

Program Description: Walk through a Chinese house and a Buddhist Temple Room, learn about impressive gods and goddesses, and take a closer look at scroll paintings.Art Activity (One of the following TBA) Clay, pendants, or Sumi-e painting