Painting With Tea: Connections |

Did you enjoy painting with tea? Take this activity one step further by reading a story and heading out into the community with your child. It will allow them to make connections and to understand tea in a broader context. Here are few suggestions to get you started, including those used during the original lesson.

Museum Visit:

If you’re in the D.C. area these exhibits would provide great ways to create an in-depth look at the process of making and drinking tea:

Julia’s Kitchen @ The National Museum of American History- This is a great place to explore someone else’s kitchen and make comparisons to your own. Ask your child how they think Julia would make her tea? Take turns pointing to the different tools (including the tea pot and kettle) she would use in her kitchen to make it. You can even sing “I’m a little teapot!”

Tea Set by John Satterfield @ Smithsonian American Art Museum- This tea set looks different and very modern. Talk about how it would feel to drink tea from the cup. Mime pouring tea for a tea party and taking pretend sips. Compare this set to cups and tea sets you might have at home.

Russian Tea by Irving Wiles @ Smithsonian America Art Museum- Start by asking your child what they see. Talk about the social aspect of drinking tea. Explain how it was used to gather people together. Discuss what these ladies might be talking about and create a pretend dialogue for the subjects of the painting.

Teal Bowl with Stand @ Freer Sackler Galleries- This is a great way to talk about geography and tea culture in other parts of the world. Bring along a map to show your child where the tea cup is from. Talk about how it is the same or different from a tea cup at home. Ask them how it would feel to hold this cup.

Community Visit:

No museum nearby or just don’t have the time? Here are a few visits you can do in any neighborhood!

Home goods store- Check out the different vessels for holding tea including cups and pots. Discuss how they are the same or different, and which you would choose to hold your tea.

Coffee Shop- Talk to the barista about how they brew tea and what types of tea they carry. Ask about differences between the teas available in the shop. You could also ask which are the most popular and then share a non-caffeinated variety with your child.

Grocery Store- The tea aisle at the grocery store is a wonderful place to discuss the varieties of tea. There are so many choices! Discuss with your child the different types of tea and how they are packaged (loose leaf, bags, triangle bags etc.). Talk about the different flavors and decide on a couple to take home and taste. To take it one step further, and take some time when you get home to research how that particular variety is made. You might even cut open the bags to see what is inside.

Books:

Grab one of these great books from your local library!

Azuki Loves Green Tea by Rebekah Mullaney