Oversized brown folding table and chairs sculpture by Robert Therrien with a blurry person walking past the artwork to show scale

Robert Therrien: This is a Story Educational Module

Overview

Robert Therrien: This Is a Story has proven especially popular with families and young visitors. To support meaningful self-guided school visits, a new educational module encourages close looking, critical thinking, and creative inquiry exclusively for this special exhibition. 

It is designed for grades 6–12, with flexibility for younger students, and includes a pre-visit lesson, an on-site worksheet to guide students through the galleries, and a post-visit classroom activity. This is the first in a new series of educational materials that provide insight into the collection and rotating exhibitions on view.

The module is structured in three parts: 

LEARN – Pre-Visit 
Location: Classroom; Duration: 30–60 minutes

Before visiting the museum, students and teachers will prepare by learning about the artist and exploring key themes presented in the exhibition.  

Resources 

  • Video Introduction to Artist 
  • Slideshow to Guide Discussion 
  • Printed Discussion Notes Guide 

EXPERIENCE – Museum Visit 
Location: The Broad; Duration: 90–120 minutes

During the museum visit, students will engage with the artwork, observing with an inquisitive and critical eye. Discussions and reflections will be guided by a printed gallery activity guide.  

Resources 

  • Instructional video 
  • Step-by-step slideshow 

CREATE – Post-Visit 
Location: Classroom; Duration: 90–120 minutes

After returning to school, students will reflect on their gallery experience through discussion and the creation of original artworks inspired by the exhibition. 

Resources 

  • Instructional video 
  • Step-by-step slideshow 

The materials are available in English and Spanish.

View The Curriculum

Photo by Josh White / JWPictures.com