See Think Wonder

Ideas for starting a conversation about art (for all ages)

Here are some example questions we’ve used to  get children and young people talking about art. Use them in the gallery or in class with the online collection.

Choose any picture, sculpture or art installation and try these prompts to help learners analyse what they see.

See | Think | Wonder

What do we see when we look at a piece of art? Do we all see the same thing or do we each bring our own ideas and experiences to the work?

Download transcript

See
 

  • Describe everything you see in the picture, in detail
  • Start with things you are sure about
  • Is there anything you are not sure about?
  • What could it be?

 

Think
 

  • What does it make you think about?
  • Does it remind you of anything?

 

Wonder
 

  • What do you wonder about the picture?
  • I wonder why...?
  • I wonder how...?

  • I wonder...?

 

Do
 

  • How could you find out more about the things you wonder?
  • Read the label
  • Ask a gallery attendent
  • Use your imagination
  • Do your own research

Here are some pictures you might want to talk about…

Magic Landscape [Opus O.1337] Alan Davie
Sixth Form Girl, Primary I Girl from 'Pictures From No Man's Land' David Williams
Sandy Beach, no.6, Wester Ross Paul Kenny
Untitled Prunella Clough
Wind Dance I Wilhelmina Barns-Graham
A Hind's Daughter Sir James Guthrie
Madonna from Mexico Anne Redpath
Lobster Telephone Salvador Dalí & Edward James
La Joie de vivre [The Joy of Life] Max Ernst
Explore the collection

Learning resources

Explore our other learning resources for use in school, in gallery or at home.

Find out more

Learning & Engagement contact details

If you're looking for more information on educational services and activities, please get in touch.

[email protected]