Learning Through Playing: Games in the Union and a Field Trip to the Nelson-Atkins

_{by Anh, ALI Graduate Assistant}

What better way to kick off the month than having a game night in the Student Union? On the first Thursday of March, ALI students got a chance to show off their expertise in games like Tumbling Tower, Fruit Punch, and Uno. We were a competitive bunch, so there were some tense moments when a player pulled out a risky block, or when two players raced to slap the Fruit Punch banana. Yet, the space was lively because after every win and loss, the group would lean back and burst into hysterics.

We customized the original Tumbling Tower game to make it more engaging. Each wooden block pulled out consisted of one question, and students would have a chance to either answer it, or pass it to someone else. After a few rounds, we now know our students’ spirit animals, favorite emojis, and travel aspirations!

While the rest of us were busy counting the number of bananas on the table, three students participated in a Student Spotlight interview session hosted by Symaria, our Business Specialist.

Inspired by Still Watching Netflix’s Answer to a Nosy Cookie Jar, our interview also featured an equally curious bunny jar that was the keeper to all of our questions.

The evening ended joyfully with a game of Uno, with the loser of the round having to do the chicken dance. We all left feeling entertained, but also happy with the time we spent together.

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Visiting the Nelson Atkins

On March 13th, our students went on a field trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum. We had two wonderful tour guides who walked us through the main collections of the museum and introduced us to the highlight artifacts in each one. Students were assigned to write a reflection after the trip, so rest assured they came prepared with a pencil and a little notebook in hand. 

Here’s one essay from level 3 student, Cindy, who was asked to write an opinion piece on why someone should visit the Nelson Atkins Museum:

A Place Worth Exploring Deeply

_{by Yunyun (Cindy)}

Have you ever been to an amazing place in Kansas City where three shuttlecocks are placed around the building? If not, this is a spot you definitely do not want to miss! It is the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Thanks to William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins, whose passion for art and understanding of its significance lead to the opening of the Nelson Atkins Museum on December 11, 1933. Nowadays, the museum holds over 40,000 works of arts, offering a meaningful gallery experience for today’s visitors. Personally, after attending the guided tour once, I believe its variety of collections, valuable masterpieces, and how the power of art impacts on people makes the Nelson Atkins Museum worthwhile to explore more than once.

The first reason should visit the Nelson Atkins Museum is that it holds a variety of collections, which are a breathtaking sight. The museum contains art pieces from diverse regions, such as the Buddha from Japan and wood sculptures from Africa. Some of these were created before the Common Era, with a history spanning over 5,000 years, while others were produced in contemporary time. Visitors can experience these antiques in person and appreciate their historical value. The second reason is that the Nelson Atkins Museum has an abundance of precious masterpieces. In addition to cultural importance, this assortment of art can inspire people through individual viewpoints. For instance, one sculpture illustrates a person with a globe for a head, wearing African apparel, and standing on a suitcase while observing through a telescope. The author uses this work to explore themes of identity, globalization, and the intersection of science and culture. Some viewers may interpret the piece as people explore the world and gradually acquire knowledge, much like the growth and learning of a child.

“In addition to cultural importance, this assortment of art can inspire people through individual viewpoints.”

The final reason to visit is that the power of art can strongly impact human-beings. People may experience a range of emotions through the form and color of art, as the differences in works convey distinct stories. One such piece, the Guanyin of the Southern Sea, known for its sense expression, has become a symbol of peace and compassion. Visitors are drawn to its calming presence and even come daily to seek comfort and mental peace in front of it.

In conclusion, the Nelson Atkins Museum exhibits a rich selection of collections from around the world, offering fascinating insights, while also providing visitors with a sense ofpeace through the works and stories housed within the museum. If you have the time, you should certainly explore this unique Kansas City place in person, taking the opportunity to enjoy the powerful history and art embodied in these masterpieces.