Phenix third-graders travel back in time

Recently, the third-graders at Phenix Elementary School were able to see something that most people in the United States have never viewed — a real size clay army from 221–210 B.C..

The students visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond to see the Terracotta Army Exhibition from China. Prior to the visit, Mrs. Watkins, the Phenix librarian, read the Magic Tree House fiction book, The Day of the Dragon King and followed it up with the nonfiction companion book written by the same authors. These books described the first Chinese emperor’s desire to have an afterlife.

Phenix Art teacher Mrs. Clarke had the children view various photos of the exhibit before the visit and discussed the techniques used to create such figures. In addition to the guided tour the children received at VMFA, they were also able to view artifacts from Ancient Greece, Rome and Mali. These are the ancient civilizations that were covered in the Virginia Standards of Learning.

After a day in the museum, students enjoyed lunch in the Sculpture Garden. The third-graders appreciated their time at the museum. For many, it was their first experience going to a museum.