A Letter from Lisa: February 2023 Edition

Dear Friends,

How many things do you read in one day? It goes without saying that smartphones have given us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. You have most likely read a news article on social media within the last day or so. But when did you last read a book… for fun?

We may hear children say that they dislike reading and yet adults say they can’t find the time or motivation to read. Since February is “I Love to Read” month, we think it’s important to understand why reading needs to be a bigger part of your day, no matter what your age.

As parents, it can be challenging to find the time to fit in household responsibilities along with things we would like to do with our children. However, taking at least a short time out of your day to read to your children should be a priority. Reading to your child at an early age sets them up for success.

There may be days where there is simply too much going on to make the time to read with your child. If this happens do not get discouraged. If you don’t think you’ll be able to keep a reading routine, consider getting your child to help. For example, share with your child that you have a goal of how many books you want to read together in one month. After setting the goal, mention to your child that if this goal is reached there will be a reward for both of you to do something fun together, such as visiting Explore & More! By mentioning this goal to your child, you will feel more accountable to develop the habit or complete the goal.

By getting your child more involved, it makes them look forward to reading and they may take initiative, as well. For example, instead of you initiating story time, your child may remind you that it’s time to read. Perhaps the best time to plan to read with your child is before bed to give them time to calm down so they can fall asleep easier. It also makes it simpler to get them away from the screens before bed.

Ultimately, we know that children follow the example of those that they are around most. Therefore, if you want your child to read, you must be a role model and take the time to do so yourself. Explore & More is a great place to play AND read! Our seven educational play zones offer hands-on exhibits that tell the unique story of Buffalo and what makes us proud to be from Western New York. Each of these areas provides a variety of theme-related books for our visitors to read and enjoy.

It starts with intention, adding a little focus (like, “I Love to Read” month) and ends with each of us seeking reading to connect with ourselves and those around us. What are some of your family’s favorite books to read together? Feel free to share your pictures of reading time at home and/or at the museum on our Facebook or Instagram page or send us a tweet.

Best regards,

Lisa Chrapowicz
Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives

Will’s Culture Corner: January 2023 Edition

As 2022 has come and gone, the promise and hope of the new year are fresh in our minds. New Year’s resolutions are being crafted and attempts to create new positive habits are plentiful. At Explore & More, our goal is to create the best possible experience for guests. This new year we will continue to elevate our museum space, programming, and events continuing our quest towards best in class.

From a cultural perspective, I will continue to lead efforts to make the museum and the activities that we offer inclusive and representative of the diversity that is illustrative of the community of Western New York. Immersion in this diversity is a key to leading children to become more global citizens, which will ultimately provide them with enhanced cognition about the world they live in. While perhaps more importantly, immersion will lead the next generation towards being more accepting and kindhearted. Join us here in the museum for experiences that have been tailored to children as learners. These experiences can be instilled at home, as well. Choose books that discuss different cultures from your local library. Enjoy cultural cuisine that may not be familiar to your child or family. Celebrate a new holiday or tradition to better connect to other members of your community. Most importantly, be kind to everyone, this will go far in the eyes of children and those around you. Have a wonderful new year and join Explore & More in making 2023 the best year yet!

Every “Body” Can Play: Explore Diversity in Learning

By Silvia Steele

January is the month of New Year’s resolutions, making changes and trying new things. I love to read and one of my resolutions is to read more books this year. Diversity in education and learning is of special interest to me, so I was excited to read about Louis Braille in honor of National World Braille Day and Braille Literacy Month. Louis Braille is honored on his birthday, January 4th and credited with inventing Braille, a system of reading and writing developed for people who are blind. He became blind at the age of 3 and began developing the Braille system in his teens. Did you know that Braille is a code and not a language? Braille is a tactile system that uses six dots to represent existing letters, numbers, and even musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols. When children learn Braille, they need to learn many of the same concepts that other students do when they learn to read, in addition to skills specific for Braille literacy. Sighted children can explore and learn Braille alongside their Braille-reading peers in a lot of fun and interesting ways. Braillebug.org provides Braille activities for sighted children and LEGO® recently introduced LEGO® Braille Bricks which incorporate learning Braille with play, for all children. It is important for children (and adults) to understand and be exposed to stories and experiences about diversity in learning. There are many different ways to learn! Join us the first week of January in the Tinkering Tank where we will highlight Braille and tactile activities.

Below are just a few resources for families to explore!

  • This 4-minute animated video by Adventure Academy as part of their Great Inventors Series gives children a brief introduction to the life of Louis Braille.  
  • The book, Six Dots– A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant, is also available as a read aloud:
  • Digital technology has enhanced all our lives, but could you imagine only listening to books being read and never reading printed words? Students and professionals share stories about the importance of Braille literacy and describe what Braille means to them, in this video from Perkins School for the Blind.
  • There are many people who have blindness, low vision/partially sighted who use assistive technology, devices, and tools every day. 

Explore Even More: Pre-K Snowy Day

I have exciting news: I’ll be hosting a pre-K class on January 28th and the theme will be “Pre-K Snowy Day”.

In our classes we focus on imaginative & dramatic play, strengthening early math, literacy, social, gross and fine motor skills. We learn and play at the same time! If your kids are pre-k aged, love fun and making new friends you are invited to register here. In December, our theme was “Blast Off Into the New Year” where we pretended to be silly space creatures, and we practiced our names and letters while crafting a rocket ship. We ended our day with story time and a count down, so we could blast off into 2023!

While you’re waiting for class on the 28th, make a snow globe- it’s a surprisingly easy craft and you only need a few supplies. One of my students made a snow globe for me, and I proudly display it on my desk all year long!

What you’ll need:

  • A sealable, see-through jar (mason jar, recycled sauce jar, water bottle, etc.)
  • Water
  • Glitter
  • Glycerin
  • Food dye
  • Super glue- to be handled by an adult

1. I use plastic jars that I purchased in bulk on Amazon- start by filling it ¾ full of water.
2. Add 1-4 drops of glycerin, this will help your glitter fall like snow in the water.
3. Add 1 drop of food dye, and watch the droplets fall into the glycerin- so cool!
4. Add more food dye if it’s not saturated to your desire. One drop at a time.
5. Add a small amount of glitter- a little goes a long way. Don’t spill!
6. Take the lid to the jar, and carefully have an adult apply super glue, and seal it shut.
7. Let the glue cure for half an hour before you shake your snow globe!

Don’t forget to register for our class on the 28th, friends!

Ms. Jackie

Did You Know? Winter Play

It’s only early January and we’ve already had a lot of snow here in WNY haven’t we? That means many kids have suited up in their snow pants, boots and jackets to head outside for some winter play!

Did you know that snow play is not just a fun way to beat the winter blues, but it’s also a great way to practice gross motor skill development? Get your little ones moving by trying these different snow play activities:

  1. Hopscotch in the snow – Grab some sticks and leaves (or anything that is not completely buried) and try to make a hopscotch pattern for children to try!
  2. Sand toy fun – Summer dreaming? Pull out the sand toys and buckets to make a snow castle. Digging in the snow might get your kids excited about shoveling too!
  3. Winter obstacle course – Pull out the cones and hula hoops from the garage to make a fun obstacle course for the kids to navigate.
  4. Build a snowman – Always a classic! The work children put in packing giant snowballs and mounds of snow is awesome gross motor skill development.
  5. Penguin waddle – Talk with children about how a penguin moves around in their environment and try to imitate that with a penguin waddle in the snow.
  6. Paper plate skating – Here’s an indoor activity to try, give your little one two paper plates, aka “skates”, to try some gross motor fun in the house! Encourage them to swing their arms and take long strides (safely!) with their legs for nimble skating moves.

With fun like this to be had outside (or inside!), kids will stay active all season long. For more play and excitement for your family, we’d love to have you join us this Winter at Explore & More, any time Wednesday through Sunday! 

Field trips are back! Please be aware that it will be busier than usual.