The Blog of Boston Children's Museum
Guest blog by Sonya Kurzweil, Ph.D | sonya@skdc.org
Today’s parents recognize that childhood is an emotionally sensitive time. And they are very stressed by how to explain to kids what is going on now and what needs to be done. Here are some ideas on how to explain to kids what is going on and what they need to know about social distancing, as well as how to keep your family healthy and connected.
By Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff. Originally published by the Brookings Institute. Remote work might have its advantages for some, but when the kids are out of school and libraries and…
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is trying to work through uncertainties. We know that parents and caregivers are trying hard to fill their children’s learning needs while balancing their own work and the needs of their families. Here are some tips to help support all children in developing a sense of routine, control, and normalcy during this difficult time.
With all this sudden change heavy on my mind, this weekend I tried to figure out how I will actually work from home with the kids at home. This is unchartered territory, but I work at a children’s museum, I have expert resources a text/phone call/email away — it can’t be too hard, right? (Insert my new favorite emoji here.) There are tons of resources for activities to do with kids – Pinterest, Instagram, the Museum’s website (hint, hint!) and while all that is great, how do I get my work done while entertaining the kids and mining these resources for fresh activities? Here’s my plan so far:
Given the public health crisis we are facing as a country right now due to the spread of COVID-19, we understand that many families are choosing to stay in and play at home. We want to help make your experience fun and memorable, so we’re sharing 100 of our favorite ideas on fun play activities you can easily do from the comfort of home. See how many of our 100 Ways to Play you can try, and share your experience with us on Twitter using #BostonChildrensMuseum!
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.
When you hear about yoga classes for children you may be a bit skeptical. You may find yourself thinking, why? Why should my child do yoga? Won’t that be too hard for a child to understand and physically do? How would it help them? Isn’t yoga linked to religion? Why should my child do yoga when they can do other activities like riding their bike, running, sports like soccer and playing games like tag?
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!
