A darling 1-minute video by Jo Booth, Occupational Therapist, of 3- to 5-year-old children working with Masterpiece Mix in an integrated classroom (typical kids and special needs children). Click below:
A great review (below) from Jo Booth of Teachers With Apps, with a touching anecdote about a little boy - she is an Occupational Therapist and looks at function - in the motor, sensory, or adaptive domains and how impairments impact functional ability to learn.
Masterpiece Mix by Roxie Munro has been an enormous hit at EasterSeals in our preschool.
The book is beautifully written and the author is speaking directly to children in language that is
developmentally understood. Of course the artwork is fantastic, and done in Roxie Munro’s
award winning style of realism with just a wink of whimsy. The book consists of extra-large and
thick pages that are perfect for repeated readings and the handling of preschoolers.
Inside Masterpiece Mix:
The story begins with Roxie trying to decide what to paint. She readies her canvas giving kids a
peek at the life of an artist and what an art studio might look like. Should she paint a landscape -
which we learned was a picture about places, a still life, or portrait? It is most impressive how
she speaks with ease and explains the different categories of paintings. Scattered throughout
the pages are classic paintings covering all the surfaces of her workroom – some even hidden
on mugs and calendars! I had one boy who is dependent on a ventilator, and probably had not
been to an art museum before sit in rapture, staring at the paintings on each page. At one point
he grabbed my arm to get a closer look, and in that moment I knew his life had been changed
by the exposure to art from this book. He had experienced beauty and the notion of creativity
was planted. The last page displays what Roxie chose to paint. The kids loved all the hidden
works of art contained in her painting, and enjoyed seeking out paintings they had seen
previously. In the back is a key to all the artwork in the book, explaining both the piece and a
little bit about the artist.
Extension activity:
After our classes read, and explored the book, we decided to make our own masterpieces. We
got out the tools of our trade – markers, pencils, and crayons and went at it. It was exhilarating
to see the kids so inspired. We then framed each one and displayed them for all to see. A follow
up session gave each child the opportunity to describe their masterpieces. We used a plastic
microphone, and gave everyone a turn to say something about their work. It was fascinating to
hear the depth of answers to poised questions from their peers. It boosted the spirits of all for
not only the day, but all the days to come. The message was clear - There was a masterpiece
inside of them too. And what a message that is!
The book is beautifully written and the author is speaking directly to children in language that is
developmentally understood. Of course the artwork is fantastic, and done in Roxie Munro’s
award winning style of realism with just a wink of whimsy. The book consists of extra-large and
thick pages that are perfect for repeated readings and the handling of preschoolers.
Inside Masterpiece Mix:
The story begins with Roxie trying to decide what to paint. She readies her canvas giving kids a
peek at the life of an artist and what an art studio might look like. Should she paint a landscape -
which we learned was a picture about places, a still life, or portrait? It is most impressive how
she speaks with ease and explains the different categories of paintings. Scattered throughout
the pages are classic paintings covering all the surfaces of her workroom – some even hidden
on mugs and calendars! I had one boy who is dependent on a ventilator, and probably had not
been to an art museum before sit in rapture, staring at the paintings on each page. At one point
he grabbed my arm to get a closer look, and in that moment I knew his life had been changed
by the exposure to art from this book. He had experienced beauty and the notion of creativity
was planted. The last page displays what Roxie chose to paint. The kids loved all the hidden
works of art contained in her painting, and enjoyed seeking out paintings they had seen
previously. In the back is a key to all the artwork in the book, explaining both the piece and a
little bit about the artist.
Extension activity:
After our classes read, and explored the book, we decided to make our own masterpieces. We
got out the tools of our trade – markers, pencils, and crayons and went at it. It was exhilarating
to see the kids so inspired. We then framed each one and displayed them for all to see. A follow
up session gave each child the opportunity to describe their masterpieces. We used a plastic
microphone, and gave everyone a turn to say something about their work. It was fascinating to
hear the depth of answers to poised questions from their peers. It boosted the spirits of all for
not only the day, but all the days to come. The message was clear - There was a masterpiece
inside of them too. And what a message that is!