5 ways to recover from the “summer slide” with Google Arts & Culture
Summer is winding down and after the break from school, many parents of school-aged kids may be worried about the “summer slide.” Has all that hard earned knowledge from the past school year evaporated? Fear not! Google Arts & Culture offers a fantastic and engaging solution to keep young minds sharp and curious. Forget simple memorization — these interactive features turn learning into an adventure.
1. Game on! Learn through play with Google Arts & Culture
Who says learning can't be fun? Google Arts & Culture is packed with interactive experiences that help kids absorb new information. From “Puzzle Party,” where you piece together famous artworks (try the multiplayer version and play together) to “Blob Opera” where you can play four opera voices in real time (no singing skills required), and “Odd One Out” challenging them to spot AI-generated art; these activities foster critical thinking, visual literacy and cultural awareness. They'll be sharpening their problem-solving skills without even realizing it's "educational." Plus, for a fun twist, kids can even find their art doppelgänger with “Art Selfie” or become part of their favorite painting with “Art Selfie 2”!
2. Stamp! GA&C, your passport to the world
Google Arts & Culture is a portal to the world's treasures. Help your child virtually explore the ancient Maya temples, get up close with a Frida Kahlo masterpiece or even delve into the history of Japanese food culture. The platform brings museums, historical sites and cultural institutions from over 80 countries right to their fingertips.
3. Let's talk tours: Engage with art and history
For an even deeper dive, “Talking Tours” on Google Arts & Culture provides an interactive audio experience. Imagine an AI-powered guide leading your child through historical landmarks or significant artworks in Street View, offering fascinating commentary and context. This feature transforms passive viewing into an active learning experience, encouraging engagement and a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. It's like having a private museum guide, tailored for curious young minds.
4. Virtual vacations: Explore amazing museums from home
Delve into Moving Archives from the Harley Davidson Museum, where vintage photos of chrome dreams come alive with subtle animation and historical context, powered by Veo. If they’d prefer to take flight, Owl’s Head Transportation Museum and the Delta Flight Museum will help kids explore the evolution of air travel. And for another truly immersive experience, the “Pocket Gallery” feature lets kids explore virtual art galleries in augmented reality, bringing masterpieces to life right in their own home!
5. Be an art detective: Solve mysteries at the NGA
Channel your child's inner Sherlock Holmes with “Art Detective” from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. on Google Arts & Culture. This interactive experience challenges kids to uncover hidden details and stories within famous artworks. They'll learn to look closely, analyze clues and piece together narratives, developing valuable observation and deduction skills.
These five avenues offer a playful yet powerful way to reinforce learning, ignite curiosity and ensure that kids are ready and excited for the new school year! For more resources to help kids learn, educators and parents can check out additional learning features from Google Arts & Culture that can easily be integrated into lesson plans and family fun.
