Museum 123
on Goodreads (106)
What’s inside...
Enhanced with illustrations from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the book introduces counting to preschoolers by challenging them to find similar objects on different pages. Each number from one to ten is explored through masterpieces of art, with information about each piece and its creator provided in the back of the book. This educational book not only helps children practice counting but also exposes them to cultural and historical art pieces from various time periods and regions. In this simple and elegant counting book from the world's most renowned museum, numbers are introduced to children through masterpieces of art. Each number from one to ten has four pages devoted to it. First, readers are invited to search for how many of a certain object they can find in a single piece of art. Then, they turn the page to discover four different works illustrating that number. Information about each piece of art and its creator appear in the back of the book. While kids practice counting, adults will love the cultural richness and educational value of this tour through the Metropolitan Museum's collection, from Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings and tenth century Iranian art to the work of Vincent Van Gogh and Homer Winslow.
Discussion points
What was your favorite object from the museum that we counted together in the book?
Can you think of other things we could count around us right now?
Why do you think museums keep all these old and special things?
If you could add one thing to the museum from your own belongings, what would it be and why?
How do you think the number 10 is different from the number 1 in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm, inviting tone to make the child feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts and opinions about the book.
Encourage the child to explore counting beyond the book, like counting toys, books or even plants in the house, to reinforce the concept.
Discuss the importance of each object featured in the book, linking it to its historical or cultural significance to make the conversation more educational.
If possible, plan a visit to a local museum to put the book's themes into a real-world context, enhancing the learning experience.
Celebrate the child’s responses to encourage more detailed thoughts and deeper engagement with the book’s content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Numbers and Counting
Explanation: Museum 123 uses the context of a museum to introduce children to numbers and basic counting, presenting objects in groups that correspond to the numbers 1 through 10.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by counting objects around them, such as toys, books, or even items in a grocery store, helping them understand the concept of quantity and improve their math skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Art and History
Explanation: The book features various artwork and historical artifacts found in a museum, providing an early exposure to the world of art and history.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate museums, exhibitions, or any historical sites they visit, fostering a lifelong interest in learning about different cultures and historical contexts.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: As children identify and count the items on each page, they enhance their observational skills.
Real-World Application: These skills can be useful in everyday activities such as finding a specific item in a room, observing patterns in nature, or even in academic settings where keen observation is required.