The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Museum

How to prepare grades K-3 for a visit to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Museum or Web Site

Class discussion
Before visiting the Museum, tell the story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton briefly. Identify some of the things your children should look for in the Museum, e.g., the names of her parents, husband, and children; some of the places where she lived or visited.

Following the visit, discuss the children's experience. Ask and answer questions like these:

Where did young Elizabeth live when she was your age?

How many children did Elizabeth have?

Why did she and her husband William go to Italy?

What happened while they were there?

What did Elizabeth do when she returned to the U.S.?

What is a saint?

Do you think Elizabeth Seton deserved to be called a saint?

Could you become a saint?

Artwork
Young children love to express themselves through art. Their drawings are usually delightful expressions of their thoughts and feelings. Try these ideas with your children. Then display their artwork in the classroom or school lobby.

Draw a picture of young Elizabeth

Draw a picture of Elizabeth Seton and her children.

Draw a picture of Dr. Richard Bayley.

Draw a picture of your favorite part of the Museum.

Children in pre-school and primary grades may also enjoy learning from the Elizabeth Seton coloring books and posters. The CD-ROM, which is part of the Museum, is another useful way to teach the story.

Drama
Art and drama are natural ways for young children to explore their talents and abilities. You can enhance their experience of the Museum and Web site by encouraging them to act out the story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Let's pretend that young Elizabeth and her sister, Mary, are playing when their father, Dr. Bayley, comes home from visiting his patients.

Who wants to be young Elizabeth? Mary? Dr. Bayley?

What will they tell him about what they have been doing?

What will he tell them about the sick people he has taken care of that day?

Let's pretend that Elizabeth Bayley and William Seton are getting married.

Who wants to be Elizabeth Bayley? William Seton?

What does William Seton say to Elizabeth? to her father?

What does Elizabeth say to William?

Let's pretend that Elizabeth Seton and her daughter have returned to the United States from Italy.

Who wants to be Elizabeth Seton? Her children?

What does Elizabeth Seton say to her children about where they will live?

What do her children say about going to a new school and making new friends?

You can also ask your children what part of Elizabeth Seton's life they want to enact. Repeat the scenes so that different children can play each role and create their own dialogue.