Let’s Learn About Opposites

Art Museum Opposites
Written & Produced by Katy Friedland and Marla K. Shoemaker
Age Level: 2-6 Years
Published January 1, 2010

(Listening to Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” in the background.)

Until I got this book, my son struggled to grasp the concept of opposites. He confused them with synonyms (not that he knew what a synonym was) so when I’d prompt him with “small” he would excitedly shout back “little!” From a teaching perspective, opposites are easier to show than tell, and this book produced by the Philadelphia Art Museum using works from their collection is a stunning visual lesson.

“One designer used a little string to make a seat that looks like a spider’s web. The other chair has a lot of string. You can barely see its silver frame! Which chair would you like to sit on?”

I love this book because in addition to teaching opposites, it also teaches children about art. Featuring prominent artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent van Gogh, and even a hat by Balenciaga, there’s a broad variety of subjects, mediums, and styles presented. As an art-lover, I find it the loveliest and most soul-satisfying way to practice otherwise rote recitations of “hard versus soft,” “rainy versus sunny.” Your little one will be a pro on opposites - and the fine arts - in no time.