Community Programs

Join our email list!

Student Tours

A visit to Monona Terrace is a wonderful introduction to looking at architecture and understanding the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visit here to learn more about our guided tour that meets academic standards in several disciplines.

Teacher Materials

Click here for student activities and background materials.

The Wright 3 Book Club

The Wright 3, by Blue Balliett, is a mystery for 10-12 year old readers about the Wright-designed Robie House in Chicago. Visit here for activities based on the book in language arts, social studies and visual arts.

Froebel Block Workshops

In the 1830´s, German educator Friedrich Froebel developed a system of educational toys that included "gifts" of wooden blocks. Frank Lloyd Wright played with Froebel blocks as a youth and acknowledged them as a fundamental influence on his architecture.

Monona Terrace facilitates Froebel block workshops in Dane County third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Each student works with a set of blocks to build two- and three-dimensional designs. The activities emphasize spatial thinking about shape, pattern, symmetry and scale. Throughout guided play, students will develop skills in cause and effect thinking, problem solving, concentration, and creativity.

Here's what some of the teachers had to say:

“The students enjoy this program each year. This was our third year. The activities are engaging to each student regardless of learning needs (from students requiring support to those requiring enrichment).” –Anonymous, April 2009

“Outstanding! The students really love it.” –Anonymous, May 2009

“We love the connection to math and art. The event is always well done. We also do a biography unit with our third graders, so we connect Frank Lloyd Wright to that unit as well.” –Anonymous, February 2010

The program fee is $1/student. For more information, contact Heather Sabin at hsabin@mononaterrace.com or 608-261-4015.

Terrace Town Going Green

Our biennial Terrace Town program challenges Dane County classrooms to design and build models of sustainable communities. Teachers work in partnership with volunteer "mentors"- architects, planners, and design professionals- to facilitate the students' work over several months.

SCHOOL DAY
Friday, February 3, 9am - 3pm

PUBLIC DAY
Saturday, February 4, 10am - 4pm
FREE ARCHITECTURAL FUN AND LEARNING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Come celebrate architecture and design at this unique family program! Terrace Town engages some 1,500 local elementary students to study architecture and community planning in the classroom throughout the school year with the support of professional architects and city planners who serve as program mentors. Come to the Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall to see the fruits of their labor and witness spectacular creativity on display! Enjoy 10,000 square feet of “green” scale model neighborhoods which were designed by students using recycled materials! In addition, young and the young at heart are invited to try their hand at box building design and placement in our very own Terrace Town city created at this event. Other free family activities include a cookie building activity, a big block building area, and special activities by the UW Construction Club and AIA Wisconsin.Be sure to visit the snack bar at Terrace Town, which offers an assorted menu including burgers, nachos and apple dippers.

Here's what some of the participating teachers had to say:

“Kids of all levels and abilities can be involved. Really builds class cohesiveness, teamwork, problem solving and compromising skills.” -Anonymous, Spring 2008

“This program engages learners to think as an individual as well as a member of an important team. Fantastic method of teaching in a multiple intelligence way." -Anonymous, Spring 2008

“The connections to our standards are numerous. The relevance/authenticity is high. And-oh yes- it’s fun!” -Anonymous, Spring 2008

For more information, go to http://www.mononaterrace.com/educatorspage/terracetown/. Classroom registration for 2012 is closed. Teachers interested in participating in Terrace Town 2013/14 should contact Heather Sabin by August 1, 2013 at 608-261-4015 or hsabin@mononaterrace.com

Teacher Workshops

There are no teacher workshops scheduled at this time. If you wish to be informed about upcoming workshops, please contact Heather Sabin at hsabin@mononaterrace.com or 608-261-4015.