With kids stuck at home as the new normal amid the pandemic, parents can use help to avoid getting stuck in a rut with their kids’ education. The Southern California Children’s Museum has come to the rescue with a full slate of fun opportunities to inject some pizzazz into learning.
One venture is the museum’s new ABC series–a 13-week virtual exploration of the alphabet through fun crafts and activities geared to children ages 3 to 6. The series presents new videos walking participants through the virtual crafts and activities sessions every Monday and Thursday on the museum’s IGTV page or its ABC Series page. The series started on Aug. 10, but all sessions are archived at those locations, making it easy for latecomers to catch up.
“To stay connected with our community during the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve pivoted our approach and embraced the idea of a ‘children’s museum at home,’” says Catherine Welch, the SCCM’s board president and co-founder. “Whether it’s at-home play ideas or how to talk to children about anti-racism, our goal is to help parents navigate this trying time.”
The second one below of a kid watching a screen has this photo credit: Julia M. Cameron
Parents are encouraged to share their children’s creations on Facebook or Instagram, using the tags #socalkidsmuseum or #socalkidsmuseum. Available for optional purchase are ABC Series: A-M Activity Kits, with markers, “sensory snow,” a DIY confetti cannon, water beads, a set of Little Renegades Co. Mindful Kids Activity Cards and more. The kits cost $55, and a free mini kit of activity cards can be downloaded here, New kits for letters N-Z will be available soon.
Other virtual play-based educational offerings include the museum’s popular Story and Craft program, now streaming on the museum’s IGTV page. Look for read-aloud videos and crafts downloads pegged to books by the museum’s favorite authors. The featured book changes each Tuesday, and the current one is The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Ben Hart.
To check out all the fun, visit socalkids.org.
