Grant Sends Irving School Students To Yale Art Museum

Target has given a $2,000 grant to Irving Elementary School in Derby to help pay for students to visit the Yale Center for British Art. 

The purpose of visiting the museum is no longer considered a ​“field trip.” The museum is a place where students can practice and apply reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical and associative thinking skills through viewing narrative works of art.

The Yale Center for British Art refers to this process as ​“reading a picture.”

First students view a painting objectively, describing details.

Then they develop an interpretation using prior knowledge to create a story.

Group discussions give way to ideas and a positive impact on language development, listening skills and peer respect.

Back in the classroom the students engage in activities designed to support the visual literacy method of inquiry, observation, description and analysis, connection building and developing a personal narrative.

“Every visit to the YCBA reminds me how important it is for children to experience the connection between art and learning. The students thrive on exploring art and discussing their individual ideas,” said Mrs. Charlice Culvert, art teacher. ​“The students build self confidence, explore different worlds and times and exchange ideas. It is a wonderful learning environment that enhances their lives. Every year I search for funds for the transportation to visit the museum, so you can imagine how elated I was to hear that we were the recipients of the grant. I am extremely grateful for their generosity.”

This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income to communities. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million every week.

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in communities across the country,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. ​“We’re proud to partner with Irving Elementary as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

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