From a young age, children are exposed to culture in all its forms. Through reading, music, visual art and even theater, culture immerses little ones in a creative universe that helps them grow, express their emotions and broaden their horizons. September being Culture Month, here are some activities to do as a family.
Visit a museum
From the outset, toddlers are receptive and open-minded. Museums awaken them to a new representation of the world, to a new universe; art museums amaze them with their shapes and colors, while natural science museums help them discover their environment, fauna and flora.
Provided, of course, that you choose the exhibition and the time carefully. An exhibition of contemporary paintings during nap time may not interest your child, or may even displease him.
Two suggestions in Quebec City: the popular and interactive Musée de la civilisation presents an astonishing exhibition Ô merde! , which will spark many discussions at home. While the family gallery of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) offers the short exhibition Les presqu'îles and its four poetic sculptures. Note that access to this gallery is free.
The MNBAQ family gallery presents The peninsulas. Photo: Annie Lafrance
Go to the theater
How about going to the theater? Good news: the youth theater Les Gros Becs is temporarily setting up in the Fleur de Lys shopping center for its next seasons. Intended for a young audience, both families and schools, this theater presents plays targeting specific age groups. A tip: the family subscription allows you to combine different shows and becomes more advantageous and not so expensive.
Entering an art gallery
Art galleries are not just for adults! They are even colorful and inviting places for children, who can appreciate the beauty of the works from a new and different perspective.
An idea: participate in the Mois des Galeries which continues on Saturdays in September in the Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale districts. Access to the galleries is free and a stroll through the district allows you to see the artists at work.
Read a story
Children's literature is without a doubt one of the simplest, yet most enriching ways to open up to culture. From a simple routine before bed, reading not only facilitates many learnings, but its practice also allows the child to project themselves into imaginary universes; to build stories, solve problems and ask questions until the outcome. At Charlotte et Charlie, you will find a beautiful selection of story books for 0 to 5 year olds.
A favorite: discover My Story Factory , which encourages children to interact and take part in creating the stories that will be told to them.
Create a work of art
After a visit to a museum or art gallery, get out the brushes and paint and let your creativity run wild! In front of a blank page, the child feels free to express his artistic sense or simply his emotions in color. Forget complex projects and guided workshops: just tinker with recycled objects found at home (yogurt pots, egg cartons, juice cartons, etc.) which will be transformed into art objects.
An idea: swap the brushes for wax stones , metallic markers or oil pastels and have your child experiment with the different textures.
Take him to a show
Attending a show can arouse emotions. Not only in adults, but also in children, who will experience them spontaneously and sometimes unexpectedly. This first show could even result in a sensitive experience engraved in their memory. Encourage them to verbalize what they feel: what they liked or what they liked less. Make a game of it!
An outing idea: the Théâtre Le Diamant invites families to two completely different circus shows this fall: a surreal fable about farm animals and a captivating story featuring aerial feats.
The Machine de Cirque troupe will be at Le Diamant from November 17 to 20. Photo: E. Burriel
Play music
A child can be introduced to music from a very young age. To do this, you don't need complicated equipment or special skills. Get out the instruments and have fun!
Moving freely to music encourages artistic expression. By offering different musical styles (e.g. pop, rock, country, jazz, classical, etc.), you will help your child develop his or her sense of music and musical tastes. When he or she listens to music from a variety of cultures, your child broadens his or her horizons, recalls the Naître et grandir website.
Participate in the Family Culture Days
From September 24 to 26, 2021, take part in the Journées de la culture. Thousands of activities will be offered free of charge, throughout Quebec.
Among them, Les Rendez-vous d'histoire de Québec offers three digital tours designed for families with children aged 4 to 10. Discover the cultural and historical heritage of Beauport, Sillery and Cap-Blanc using your smartphone, identify the posters in the colours of P'tits Rendez-vous d'histoire and have fun answering riddles along the way!
