How fourth and fifth grades view abstracted versus realistic paintings and the implications in a museum setting

Abstract

Students in fourth and fifth grades (about 8 to 11 years of age) move through a transitional stage developmentally. The majority of their thoughts are based on concrete ideas while the remaining cognitive process moves toward abstract concepts. In reference to this age group's view on abstracted versus realistic paintings, fourth and fifth graders progress much the same way; preferring realistic over abstracted works but a gradual separation between the two grades is apparent as the older children begin to move into the next developmental stage. As a result of these implications, staff within an art museum should focus on cognitive and aesthetic development in order to facilitate age-appropriate teaching and learning.