The Blog of Boston Children's Museum
When tragic events happen across the world or in our local communities, it can be difficult for us all to find ways of understanding and coping. Young children need support from the adults in their lives as they try to make sense of what they are hearing, seeing, and experiencing.
2020 was…a lot. Thankfully, some good did come out of all the chaos. Our staff shifted gears to help kids and families stay engaged, playing, and learning at home, creating dozens of video activities (all accessible on our YouTube channel!) Here is a countdown of the TOP 10 activities of 2020—we hope you’ll give them a try! There is much more to come in 2021.
I was so pleased to sit down with Sherry Turkle’s thought-provoking new book, “Reclaiming Conversation.” Through her research, Turkle, an author, professor, and member of Boston Children’s Museum’s advisory board, explores in the book how quick “sips” of conversation— texts, emails, Tweets, posts, etc.—are replacing meaningful conversations, and the negative effects of this shift are becoming more and more evident. I was particularly struck by the consequences the decline in conversation is having on children.
I am absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of the new, completely redesigned PlaySpace, Boston Children’s Museum long-beloved exhibit space for 0-3-year-olds. After extensive research on early childhood development, input from early learning specialists, observations on how kids play, conversations with visitors, design, and construction, it is finally here!
To encourage a lifelong love of reading, books should be present in a child’s life from infancy. Reading should be considered a form of play and not simply an educational necessity. When reading becomes something one does for enjoyment, children are more likely to opt for a good book in favor of an hour on the iPad— at least every now and then.
The Power of Play 