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

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 - 

5 Classic Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Rainy day? Friday movie night? It’s time to put away the video games and take a trip back in time with a classic motion picture. Remember that movie you used to watch at Grandma’s house? Or the one your dad used to rave about, but you never understood why until you were older? These are our classics. Today it’s easy to overlook these movies as things of the past. Maybe you’ve never thought to introduce your kids to a film you used to love, but we can assure you there are a number of classics that not only make us laugh, but also contain important lessons for people of all ages. So, grab your popcorn as we take you through time and five classic movies both you and your children will get a thrill out of. Ready? Action!

5. Toy Story (1995)

Maybe you loved Toy Story as a kid because you could imagine your own toys coming to life and fighting over which one would get the royal privilege of sitting on your bed. Perhaps it was even Mr. Potato Head and his feisty attitude that sparked your laughter as a child. It’s important to know, however, that Toy Story has much more to offer than just a bunch of talking toys running around Pizza Planet.

Toy Story will teach your children important lessons about friendship, loyalty and even jealousy. Woody learns an important lesson by the end of the movie. He accepts that it’s okay for Andy to have more than one favorite toy and more than one friend.

“You’ve got a friend in me.”

4. E.T. (1982)

A little alien is left all alone on a strange planet. He soon finds a friend in ten-year-old boy named Elliot. You probably stocked up on Reese’s Pieces enough to fill your entire closet and tried to bring plants back to life after seeing E.T. We would be lying if we said that Elliot’s determination to save his extraterrestrial companion didn’t have us in tears.

This movie shows children and adults alike the power of friendship. Next time your alien friend gets sick and needs to get on a spaceship to go home, will you ride your bike over the moon without a helmet on even if you don’t want him to leave? After seeing this film, you just might want to!

“You could be happy here. I could take care of you. I wouldn’t let anybody hurt you.”

3. Star Wars (1977)

A giant rebel space station, robots, unexpected heroes and even a princess. What’s not to love? While we are huge fans of this adventure film, it also provides us with important messages. For one, Princess Leia is not just an ordinary damsel in distress with an iconic hairdo. She stands up for what’s right and isn’t afraid to fight off any Stormtroopers that get in her way. It’s in the opening scene that she shows us that even princesses can be brave and tough.

Star Wars blurs the line between good and evil, and reveals to parents and children that though the choice between good and bad is more complicated than we think, good will always triumph over evil.

“Who is more foolish? The fool or the one that follows him?”

2. Mary Poppins (1964)

Mary Poppins is the first musical on our list, and also the only film here that combines live action and animation. Maybe you dreamed of having a babysitter as cool as Mary Poppins. Or maybe you just could never seem to get “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” out of your head. Maybe what you didn’t realize the first time you saw this flick is that Mary Poppins teaches us to love and enjoy life. That is the real meaning behind “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Though kids might not recognize this lesson right away, they definitely won't be able to stop dancing and singing along.

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.”

1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Get swept away with Dorothy into the magical Land of Oz. We’re throwing it way back here, but we’re sure that this movie is family-friendly and magnificent even today. The first feature film to use both color and black-and-white will take you over the rainbow with lessons about life and love, as each of the characters have something to show us on their own.

The Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow prove that true friendship exists in believing in one another, and that a true friend is always there for you through life’s troubles, no matter how big or small. 

And finally, Dorothy Gale has many lessons to teach people of all ages. Dorothy dreams of a life away from home, but is surprised when she’s taken to the Land of Oz and suddenly longs to return to Kansas. Dorothy not only teaches us to follow our own paths, but she also reminds us not to take home for granted.

“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 the Children’s Museum in Easton will be hosting its new event Off to see the Wizard. Activities will be based on the popular story including all of your favorite characters. Don’t miss a visit from Dorothy and several themed crafts and stories. Follow the yellow brick road with your little munchkins from 10am-1pm for a magical day of over-the-rainbow fun! Be sure to watch the popular film and visit us on the 4^th. There’s no place like the Children’s Museum in Easton.

*Written by Deanna Haas, PR Intern

The Children's Museum in Easton's Family Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

This past Columbus Day, October 13, marked the 10^th successful year of The Children’s Museum in Easton’s Play FORE! Kids Family Golf Tournament. Despite the chilly October air, the event drew 100 golfers including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, kids, friends of the Museum and local golf enthusiasts.

We sat down with several first-time participants to discuss their experience at the tournament. John Mullen, Museum member and father of two, was the winner of the Putting Contest with the only sunk putt. Mullen tells us, with a wink, that he can’t wait to return next year, “If I’m invited!”

Sam and his family showing off their raffle prizes. 

Samuel Schumacher, age 10, one of the winners of the Kids Chipping Contest at 23 inches to the pin, also won two raffle prizes. Jared Clapp, also 10, has been playing golf for about five years. Jared was the winner of the Kids Chipping Contest on the front 9, and says that his favorite part of the tournament is the raffle.

Finally, we talked with Michelle Casey, a new committee member this year, about the successes and even the difficulties that come with planning the tournament. Casey stresses the importance of spreading the word about this family-friendly event to new families: “[It] is such a fun event. We had so many new families this year, and they all loved it.” Casey’s three boys are now ages 7, 8 and 9, but used to visit the Museum all the time. Casey explains that her favorite part of the tournament is the family time—and the firework display that concludes the night.

The winning team, with a score of 7 under par for the 9-hole event was the Rubin Foursome. Second and third place were decided by a one-hole “card-off!” The Riley Foursome finished in second place with five under par, and the Bissonette Foursome took home the third place title.

Lucas Riley giving it his best shot at the Chipping Contest.

Matthew Orphanos is all smiles on the green.

The night produced several individual contest winners. The winners of the longest putt on the front and back 9 went to Frank Meissner and Mark Bissonette, respectively. The winners of the Closest to the Pin Contest were Ryan Riley and Mark Lombardi. The titles of Straightest Drive went to both Mike Stecker and Rich Kerr. And finally, the winners of the Kids Chipping Contest were Jared Clapp and Samuel Schumacher, both age 10.

This annual event raises funds that support not only Museum admissions and programs, but also the Museum’s outreach and service to needy and under-served families in the Metro South region. This year, more than 40 sponsors from the Easton and greater Brockton area business community showed their support by helping with the expenses of running the tournament.  More than 50 area venues, sports teams, resorts, restaurants and service companies donated goods and services for the raffle that preceded the firework show at the conclusion of the night.

The Casey Boys get ready to chip.

The Museum would like to thank Evolution Sports Performance of Easton, Sharon and Kingston, MA for their sponsorship of the fireworks display—one of the most popular moments of the night, as well as the many sponsoring businesses and families. For the full list of our sponsors click here. The Museum would also like to extend its thanks to everyone that came out in support of the Museum and its family-fun event. We hope to see some new faces next year for another swinging day of golf FORE! kids.

*Written by Deanna Haas, 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