Student Tours

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

"You did an excellent job!  Thank you... it was amazing that you were so organized and the docents were knowledgeable and great with kids. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience." 
                                                                                                                        - K.C W., Madison

“I have enjoyed researching you (Monona Terrace) for the past month for our Frank Lloyd Wright project. I chose to research you because you are very unique. You have many curvilinear designs on your exterior, as well as your interior and it makes you look stunning! We just had our Art and Architecture trip and on our second stop, we took a tour of you! That was definitely the highlight of my day!!…I hope you have fun meeting the next batch of 5^th graders next year, and I will remember you and this trip forever.”

                                                                                                                       - Kylie M., Wakanda Elementary

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. For activities based on the book in language arts, social studies and visual arts, contact Heather Sabin at hsabin@mononaterrace.com or 608-261-4015.

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

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. Terrace Town will next occur in the 2013/14 school year. 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

Teacher Workshops