Third graders explore art, myths, and animals at BOCES honors program

Several Barringer Road third graders joined students from five other area schools for a trip to Hamilton College's Wellin Museum on March 4. The trip was part of the "Menagerie: Animals in Art" Herkimer BOCES' Honors Program.

The visit began with a tour of the Wellin Museum's Dietrich Exhibition Gallery. Hamilton College student-guides led small groups through the exhibit, focusing on several art pieces that helped explore the role of animals in myths. 

“They discussed the artists' styles, engaged in collaborative discussions to help interpret the art and began to consider character traits associated with different animals," explained Herkimer BOCES Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff.

After the tour, the young students applied what they had learned about myths, animals, and art to create their own real and imaginary animals using Crayola Model Magic.

The Herkimer BOCES Honors Program is open to students in Herkimer BOCES component school districts and is designed to support the potential of students in grades 3-12 who have above average interests and abilities in a particular area. Programs allow for interaction with like-minded peers. Students learn by engaging in educational activities with presenters who are noted in their field. Exploration and programs provide for different learning styles and include topics in the arts and sciences as well as literature and history. Ongoing evaluation of all programs by teachers and students assures their relevance and quality.