Where in the World?

To build off of our geography day, Where in the World?, we want to emphasize the importance of exposing your kids to other cultures. During this summer drop-in day at The Children’s Museum in Easton, we were able to explore many aspects of the world’s geography and cultures. Various activities helped educate kids about our planet’s water supply and soil erosion, giving them an important outlook on our planet. Visitors to the Museum made flags from different countries, and we had additional arts and crafts that allowed kids to become more aware of where they are in the world. Also, there was a fun game of geography twister that was a huge hit!

With the passports you have created at the Children’s Museum, you can continue to add and mark places you and your kids have explored. It is easy to learn about various cultures without having to actually travel. Cooking and tasting foods from other countries is an excellent place to start at home! It can become a weekly tradition with your kids as you mark the different countries of which you’ve explored in the kitchen. Laying out a map and marking the countries or stamping in their passports will be a reminder of each unique experience. 

Geography Twister

It is simple to investigate authentic cuisines from around the world; doing so by setting the scene at home for your kids to really imagine what it's like in other countries can be a great eye-opening experience. You can get started by searching online about various cultures and their recipes or visiting your local library. Trying a different cultural restaurant or visiting the international isle in any grocery store is also a simple way to investigate various countries’ foods with your kids. Try some of these food recipes from around the world!

Not able to attend our day of exploring the world at the Museum? You can easily make your own passport at home by using an old notebook or simply stapling a few sheets of paper together. In addition, try some of the following educational at-home activities!

Helping your kids become more aware of where they are in the world is so important. Explaining the different times zones, exploring how different cultures dress (traditional clothing print out), and even learning a few words (50 ways to say hello) in other languages are excellent places to start at home. Doing so, can help your children become more aware of just how big the world around them really is. Visiting your local library is a fantastic place to begin exploring other cultures with your kids as well.

Free Fun Friday 2015

The Children’s Museum in Easton is pleased share our success from participating in the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Friday for the fifth consecutive summer. As you may know, Free Fun Friday is a wonderful program that offers visitors a no cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural institutions in Massachusetts.Since 2009, “Free Fun Friday” has drawn more than half a million visitors to venues throughout the Commonwealth. In 2014 alone, the program reached 150,000 people. This year, we are proud to be among the 70 participating institutions. The Museum hosted about 1,600 people for a day filled with arts and crafts, along with fun outdoor activities. For a complete schedule of Free Fun Friday click here.

Kids show off Free Fun Friday
sunglasses outside in the Wild Place

Inside the MakerSpace

Guests were able to explore our three floors of interactive and educational activities. Our new MakerSpace was a huge hit! Every room of our Old Fire Station was filled with children playing and learning. In addition to exploring indoor exhibits, visitors were also excited to discover our outdoor Wild Place on the beautiful sunny Friday afternoon. Along with arts and crafts and other fun outdoor activities, we had a raffle set up for kids to win a stuffed-Dalmatian.

Be sure to click here to check out what else the Children's Museum in Easton has to offer! 

We were pleased to have the U.Fund Dreams Tour join us again this year on our Free Fun Friday day at the Children’s Museum in Easton. The goal of the U.Fund Dreams Tour is for parents to invest in a secure savings account for their child’s future. U.Fund explains all of the components of the savings plans through the interactive “activity pavilion.” To learn more about the specifics of the U.Fund savings plans click here.

U.Fund Activity Pavillion

The “activity pavilion” on the U.Fund Dreams Tour was a key attraction on the Museum’s Free Fun Friday day. The pavilion engages both kids and parents, encouraging adults to plan for the child’s future education. The children are able to choose a profession they want to be when they grow up, and then pose for animated photos. While kids are playing games that teach them to “aim for the moon” and posing for pictures, parents are able to gauge where they are financially with regards to saving for their child’s future. The U.Fund Dreams Tour introduces families to savings programs and plans in a fun interactive environment. Overall, Free Fun Friday at the Children’s Museum in Easton was a huge success. 

Get Up and Play!

This summer is a great time for you and your child to try something different. There are plenty of toys like yo-yos and hula hoops that can be mastered and taken to a new level. Your child will be amazed at how fun these toys are!

Benefits of Play

Time spent away from the TV/computer can have long-lasting benefits for the development of your child. When children play, they are improving their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being which keeps them happy and healthy. Play also allows parents to connect more fully with their children, and gives them an opportunity to spend more time together.

Despite these benefits, however, play time is often sacrificed and replaced with screen time in front of the TV or computer. However, these ideas will be sure to get you and your child off the couch this summer to learn a new skill and have some fun together!

Yo-Yoing

Think yo-yos are only for walking the dog? Think again! Since the 1950’s, yo-yos have been evolving at an extreme rate. With the introduction of ball bearings, aluminum bodies, and polyester string, yo-yoing has transformed into a sport that is enjoyed all around the world!

Benefits of Yo-Yoing

Just like play, yo-yoing has a number of benefits that help your child’s development. Some of these include:

1. Develops fine motor skills
2. Improves hand-eye coordination
3. Increases creativity
4. Develops acute spatial awareness

Yo-yoing also benefits children with learning disabilities like ADHD by increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence as they learn new yo-yo tricks. 

Back to Basics

Just like anything else, you have to master the basics before going pro! Check out these tutorials for the essential yo-yo tricks that every yo-yoer needs to know!

- Sleeper

- Walk the Dog

- Rock the Baby

photo credits:

Jennifer Williams/The Ithacan

If you’re looking for more yo-yo fun, come by the Children’s Museum on Monday, July 20 for a yo-yo demonstration and lessons by Donald Hodgkinson

Click here for more info

Hula Hooping

Hula Hooping is another great toy to master this summer! Just like yo-yos, Hula Hoops became popularized in the 1950’s. As the fad grew, more than 100 million plastic hoops were sold across the country over the course of two years! Since then, ‘hoopers’ have taken this simple toy to crazy new levels as it’s grown into its own competitive sport.

Benefits of Hula Hooping

1. Gets kids moving and exercising without them realizing it
2. Improves fine and gross motor skills
3. Helps improve confidence
4. Increases body awareness and spatial skills

Ready to start? Watch Lolli Hoops of the Boston Hoop Troop demonstrate some of the basics

If you’re looking for more hooping excitement, check out the Children’s Museum on Thursday, July 30 for a hula hoop demo by the Boston Hoop Troop! Click here for more info

Sources: :

Benefits of Play
Benefits of Yo-Yoing

Benefits of Hula Hooping

The Hula Hoop

Celebrating Robots

To wrap up mini-maker week at The Children’s Museum in Easton, innovator and designer Steve Norris was our special guest maker who helped us celebrate robots! 

 Steve brought three robots for the kids to interact with; Huey, Frank, and Butler-Bot.

Huey: Color chasing robot

Butler-Bot: robot made from a trashcan

Frank: Face-detecting robot

• Huey is a color chasing robot, which is attracted to the color orange.  Kids got to hold up an orange piece of paper as Huey followed them wherever they went. 
• Frank is a face detecting robot, who recognizes the kid’s faces as they stand in front of it.  
• Lastly, Butler-Bot is the robot made from a trashcan who was roaming the floor for almost two hours straight.  Butler-Bot was also featured in the latest Transformers Movie!  Steve spent a week on the set and had an amazing experience, he said that he never thought his hobby would take him this far.            

Steve Norris is a software programmer and a writer for Robot Magazine.  Writing for the magazine is Steve’s favorite hobby, where he gets to write every two months about the robots he builds.  He has built 44 in total, one every two months, and has written in the magazine for just about all of them. 

Scribble-Bots

Kids making their scribble-bots

The children also got the opportunity to make their own scribble-bots!  These scribble-bots were made out of simple household items including the motor from the inside of an electrical toothbrush. For instrucions on how to make your own, click here to visit the Exploritorium website!  The kids got to watch their robots come to life as they made cool designs scribbling all over the paper.  Steve loves to inspire people into getting involved in science and technology, so watching the kids in awe as they designed their own robots was a great experience for us and him.  To check out more amazing creations from Mini Maker week, look for our blog post about textle artist Rhona Fazio!

Why Playing with Dirt Doesn't Hurt

The Spring weather has finally arrived! Soon enough you may find that your children are covered in dirt, leaving a trail of their adventures on your kitchen floor. Sure, dirt hurts the cleanliness of your home, but studies have shown there are many benefits to playing outdoors, with the company of dirt. 

According to the National Wildlife Federation, playing outside can have a long-lasting impact on child development. Playing outdoors increases fitness levels, and promotes healthy bodies. While outside Vitamin D levels have been known to increase, which is a preventative for future healthy problems like issues relating to bone development, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Playing outdoors also has some great social benefits. Studies have shown that within minutes of seeing green space children's stress levels fall significantly. Playing outdoors also benefits children socially, allowing them to form close relationships. 

And then dirt comes in. Playing with dirt exposes children to healthy bacteria, parasites, and viruses, that help build a healthy immune system. Children who are rarely exposed to dirt have a higher chance of suffering from allergies, asthma, and other autoimmune diseases. Research has shown that within minutes of children making contact with dirt, their moods have improved, stress has been reduced and anxiety has decreased. 

You might be thinking how you can play in the dirt with your children. Luckily, we have a few ideas that you can take advantage of.

1. You can pick a spot where your children can dig. Give them a shovel and a bucket and watch them explore the world of dirt. 

2. You can go for a walk in your own yard or take a walk with your children through your neighborhood. 

3. Plan a nature scavenger hunt. 


These three very different activities will allow you to interact with your children outdoors and explore nature. You'll be amazed at how much your mood will change, from doing something as simple as going on a short walk. 

In the celebration of dirt and all the fun it brings along, we are happy to invite to our Dirt Don’t Hurt event. On Thursday May 28^th from 10am-1pm, we will explore the wonders of the natural world, and meet a few animals along the way. We can't wait to see you there!

* Written by Melinda Kinnear - Public Relations Intern

7 Movies for 7 Days of Fun!

Would you enjoy escaping the snow for a few hours? Luckily you have come to the right place. The Children’s Museum in Easton has created a list of movies that will have your whole family laughing, during these wintery times. You will enjoy the laughter these seven movies will bring to your family, as we have done extensive research.   

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Babe (1995)

“Dearie me! If it’s not a duck that thinks it’s a rooster, it’s a pig that thinks it’s a dog!”                                                                                         

Filmed in the greener pastures of Australia, the story of Babe (1995) is able to warm the hearts of those who watch this family friendly movie. Babe (a pig) is taken in by sheepdogs, and learns how to herd sheep with the help of Farmer Hoggett. Babe is able to form lifelong friendships, and creates his own family on the farm.  

The Aristocats (1970)

“Aristocats do not practice biting and clawing, and things like that. It’s just horrible.”

                                                                    

In Aristocats (1970), four cats (Duchess, Berlioz, Toulouse, and Marie) are taken away from their owner after their Butler kidnaps them. Finding themselves lost and away from home, these four cats befriend a tomcat and will work together to get back home to Paris. As Duchess and her children try to get home, they are able to make friends with other animals on their journey.

Monster's Inc (2001)

“I think I have a plan here: using mainly spoons, we dig a tunnel under the city and release it into the wild.”   

In this animated feature, Monsters Inc (2001), tells a story of monsters living in Montropolis. Living in a different dimension, away from blizzards and the majority of the cold weather we are dealing with, Monsters must power their city, from scaring children. When friends Sully and Mike Wazowski find that they have an unexpected stowaway, they must rush to help a little girl (Boo) get back home. Sully and Mike soon find that Boo will teach them more about living than they ever could have imagined.

Finding Nemo (2003)

“Oh my gosh, Nemo’s swimming out to sea.”                                                

Finding Nemo (2003) is about Nemo, a clownfish, who is captured in the Great Barrier Reef, and taken to Sydney, Australia. Nemo’s father, along with his friend Dory set out to rescue Nemo, and bring him back home. This animated movie really captures the spirit of friendship, determination, and love. After seeing this movie, you will want to go to Australia.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

“How an elephant got in my pajamas, I shall never know.”

In this family friendly movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) tells the story of an inventor, Mr.Potts and his two children, who have been struggling to make ends meet. When his children ask him to buy a car they see, Mr.Potts makes their dream come true. While on a picnic, he tells a story to his children, about a country called Vulgaria, and a ruthless dictator that is trying to steal their car that they named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

“Violet! You’re turning violet, Violet!”

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), tells the story of a boy named Charlie. Charlie is granted the chance of a lifetime, when he finds that he bought a candy bar with a golden ticket, allowing him to enter one of the best candy factories in the country. This story captures the love between Charlie and his family, as he goes on an adventure in a world full of candy.

Charlotte's Web (1973)

“Salutations are greeting; it’s my fancy way of saying hello.”

In Charlotte’s Web (1973), Wilbur (a pig), born a runt, is labeled as being different. A young girl Fern, begs her father to let Wilbur live on the farm with them, saving Wilbur’s life. Wilbur and Charlotte (a spider) become unexpected friends while they are living on the farm. This movie allows children to witness the power of love and friendship.

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Your friends at the Children’s Museum in Easton hope that you are having a great week and hope to see you soon!

- Written by Melinda Kinnear, Public Relations Intern - 

How to Stay Active and Healthy in the Summer Time

Summertime is the best time to start becoming more physically active. With all the extra time your child has its important to make sure they have fun during summer vacation but also that they stay happy, active and healthy.

Here are some ways to stay active and healthy in the summer:

Keep them Hydrated:

It’s obvious that staying hydrated during summer time is important, but it is not always easy to get them to drink as much water as they should. Here are some tips that can help you:

• Fruit Infused Water: By letting delicious fruits soak in water it makes a plain drink more delicious! You can also purchase cool looking fruit infused water bottles made just for kids!
•  Schedule more drink breaks: Get your child in the habit of taking water breaks throughout the day and it will soon become routine. This is especially important if your child is participating in a lot of physical activities throughout the day.
•  Popsicles: Try to get some with low sugar so your kids can stay hydrated with less sugar. You can also make popsicles fun by looking up recipes to make them with your kids!

Engage with nature:

Marla and her Falconry bird Mack from The New England Reptile and Raptor Show

The Children’s Museum in Easton recently had Bigfoot summer drop in day, which focused on nature and ways to have fun in your backyard. The New England Reptile and Raptor show had an interactive performance where children learned about the cool creatures that live right in their backyard. They even got the chance to meet the animals up close!

 The performance also taught visitors about bones and how they differ for each animal. Their new found knowledge about  nature helped children create amazing Bigfoot dioramas that Bigfoot himself would love to call home! Visitors also made a Bigfoot expedition kit which would help them catch Bigfoot and many other creatures that may be nearby. The Bigfoot obstacle course was also a huge hit because it allowed children to literally “walk in Bigfoot’s shoes”!

 

All these activities promoted learning about nature and inspired creativity. The Bigfoot drop in day allowed Children to learn and be active in ways that they enjoyed. Children were able be active while exploring their surroundings and learning.  Many children left the museum happy and eager to continue their search for Bigfoot.

Attending Bigfoot day isn't the only way to have your children engage with nature. Make every day an adventure and start exploring wherever you can, which leads me into our next tip for staying healthy and active in the summer.

Make sure your child gets daily exercise:

It may seem like something obvious, but the summertime is when children become less physically active. On hot days it can be tempting to stay inside and sit around all day, but there are many ways to make sure your child gets daily exercise in the summer. Here’s what you can do:

•  Take walks to the local store to buy Popsicles and cool down.
• Go for a swim to stay active and cool down.
• Go on at least three bike rides a week.
• On rainy days instead of staying in and watching movies turn on some music and get your groove on!
• Visit your local park and play games such as, Frisbee, basketball, or soccer.

Hopefully all these tips help you and your children have a healthy and happy summer and remember you can always stop by the Children’s Museum in Easton to have a healthy and happy summer!

*Written by Love Boussiquot, PR Intern

Visitors have "Snow much Fun" at the Children's Museum in Easton

 Who doesn’t love to cool down in the summer? The Children’s Museum in Easton recently had the Snow Queen as our special guest. Although she didn’t use her Ice Powers her performance provided a nice escape from summer.  

The Snow queen sang three of her most popular songs and also read a story to the audience! Everyone in attendance had a blast dancing and singing along while admiring the beautiful crystal’s on the Snow Queen’s dress. After the performance everyone got the chance to get an autograph, take a picture, and even get a hug from her!

Before and after the performances children enjoyed making crafts in the wild place. Visitors had the chance to make “ice castles” with a special concoction that made the castles glimmer like ice, Olaf masks, and crowns that they were able to decorate themselves. Mix 104.1 also stopped by to give out delicious vanilla ice cream treats that many visitors enjoyed!

Boys and girls enjoyed the show, and many children were dressed for the event. Some put funky hair colors in their hair while others came in costume so they could match with the Snow Queen. The Hair Cuttery also provided their services and transformed everyone into royalty. Some children got cool streaks of color and glitter in their hair, while others got a classic braid. Some parents also got a little makeover too!

Although “Frozen Friday” is over, there are still many ways you can have “Snow much fun” in summer. Check out the museum “Fun for kids” page for Ideas!

Written by Love Boussiquot, PR Intern