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Resources for visitors, educators, parents and caregivers.

talking to children about difficult topics

Reading material and other resources to help you talk to children about challenging topics.

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talking to children about the coronavirus

Resources helpful in guiding a discussion with children about the coronavirus.

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Play Matters

learning intentionality through play

This informational series for parents and families breaks down the importance and relevance of different subjects for young learners in their development, including art, nature education and technology. Each subject includes core developmental benefits for children, simple at-home activities to try and resources for more reading and learning.

Children’s Museum and the Role of Play by Fred Rogers
From the publication Hand to Hand of the Association of Children’s Museums
Some people talk about play as if it were a relief from serious learning or even worse: a waste of time. But for children, play is exceedingly serious…and important! In fact, play is a way for children to learn who they are, how the world works, solve problems, and to express feelings.

Child’s Play: It’s Serious Stuff by Tina Dealwis
From the publication Play to Podium, Adaptive Activity for Families
Play is fundamental in a child’s life. Through play, children develop cognitive, problem-solving and social skills. Play also breaks down barriers and lays the foundation for adult relationships.

Pretend Play: Laying the Foundation for Literacy by Roberta Schomburg
Many people think that play and learning are opposites…we even say things like, “Stop playing and get to work.” It’s no wonder that parents and teachers may not realize the connections between a child’s ability to make believe and his or her ability to read and understand words.

makeshop resources

Check out these resources for products, tutorials, skill-building challenges and more in your making exploration.

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