Why Black history should be studied and celebrated all-year long

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By Will Kawalec, Cultural Program Educator 

This February marks the 48th year of Black History Month here in the United States. The monthly celebration was the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson, who lobbied for the creation of a Black history celebration more than 50 years before its official adoption, in the 1920s!

February marks a time to pay homage to Black achievements and contributions to not only our nation but the globe. This celebration raises awareness and shines a light onto African-American triumphs, though it is time to celebrate Black excellence not just during the month of February, but throughout the entire year.

Histories regarding minority and/or objectified groups should be taught every day, not just during specifically defined months.

Here at Explore & More, we want to celebrate Black history all-year long. This might seem obvious to many, although, from an educational standpoint, programming often falls into a pattern of repetitiveness where children are often taught the same things at the same time year after year.

Even more damaging is that teaching Black history is something that is not mandated nationally as it varies on a state-by-state basis.

It is my hope that we can break this trend, and supplement cultural education for children across our community. So, as Black History Month should be something that is celebrated and paid attention to, we must carry that energy throughout the year and encourage education about topics like Black history every day!

This is supported by various educational experts who all emphasize the benefits educational values of regular cultural education:

“Black history is important for all students because most of the things that happened in history are still happening today.” –via the ACLU

“An authentic commitment to teaching Black history year-round includes instilling rigorous sight in Black students and all students. Simply knowing names, places, and dates without generating inquiry to inspect the societal conditions and investigate power dynamics to manifest purpose isn’t teaching Black history. It’s business as usual.” –via Edutopia

“We do not live in a monocultural or monolingual world, so these children who will become decision-makers in the near future need to understand a society that not only includes persons that look like them. If we can teach about all folks, our country will become a better place.” –LaGarrett King via UBNow

The Importance of Reading, No Matter What Your Age

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By Lisa Chrapowicz, Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives

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?

Sanity Savers: Summer Reading Bingo

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 page, tag us on our new Instagram account or send us a tweet.

Best regards,

Lisa Chrapowicz

Have you heard the “Au-Some” News???

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Explore & More Au-Some Evenings Logo

By Val Drapeau, Education Coordinator

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum is proud to offer a variety of resources to families of children with special needs.

We currently provide a monthly evening event for families of children with disabilities, two quiet rooms, sensory-friendly backpacks, separate sensory hours for special events, an inclusive treehouse exhibit, and a universal changing station. One of our top priorities is to create a space that is accommodating and accessible to all visitors.

Once a month, our special Au-Some Evenings give children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, as well as their friends and family, the chance to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment.

Families have access to all museum spaces and play zones, including our café. Featured programs include music therapy, therapy dogs, art projects, and gross motor activities.

We hope to play into possibilities with you! We strive to be as accommodating as possible to families with special needs. If there is a specific need or request to help make your visit more accessible, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

Au-Some Evenings is a pre-registered, private event offered during closed business hours; please click here for more information and to register for future events.

Annie’s STEM Lab: Sink or Float

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by Annie Savinon

Welcome to Annie’s STEM Lab! I hope you had a very restful and enjoyable holiday season. This month is a great time to complete some simple and fun science experiments at home. Below is a fun experiment you can put together with objects you already have at home, while answering, will it sink or float? 

We all know that objects either sink or float. But your little one might ask, what makes an object sink or float? When an object can float, it has buoyancy. Buoyancy is the ability to float in water. An article from Britannica explains, if the object in water displaces an amount of water equal to its own weight, the buoyant force acting on it will be equal to gravity, and the object will float! 

A sink or float activity is a wonderful experiment to do with your little ones at home because it promotes scientific thinking, such as cause and effect, observations, comparison, reasoning, data gathering, experimentation, and evaluation. The Global Montessori Network also shares that this experiment can aid in better-developing order, concentration, coordination, and independence skills! Also, this is a wonderful activity for Kindergarten teachers to complete for their students to understand NGSSK-2-ETS1-3, Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs. 

Time to experiment! 

A tray with objects on it Description automatically generatedThis lesson will be best with a 3–6-year-old, under the guidance of a caretaker. To begin, you will need to gather a few items.  

This includes: 

-Large plastic bin filled with water 

-Prepare two signs: Sink or Float  

-Gather some objects around the home that can get wet!  

Now that you have your set up complete, it is time to run our tests and ask the question, does it sink or float? After you test an item, place it in the sink or float category. Throughout this process, be sure to answer any questions your little one might have, and reflect on your results together, and talk about why the objects either floated or sunk! 

Did You Know? Gregorian Calendar

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By Mara Gordon

Did you know that the calendar we use in the United States is named Gregory?

Most of the world today uses the Gregorian calendar to keep track of the days and months as time passes. The Gregorian calendar got its name from Pope Gregory XIII who helped make the system popular in the 16th century. Calendars fall into four types: lunisolar, solar, lunar, and seasonal. The seasonal calendars rely on changes in the environment like the “wet season” or “dry season.” The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar which means its days are based on the position of the Sun relative to the stars and along the equator. 

Since the gyrations (or rotation & spinning) of the universe is always changing, there is no perfect calendar system. That’s why the Gregorian calendar uses has a leap day, February 29, every four years. Not every calendar system has a leap day though and instead some like the Ethiopian calendar and International Fixed Calendar have 13th months. 

Whichever calendar you use or however your family marks the passing of time, it’s important to remember that each day has its significance, and each day is an opportunity to grow and explore and play into endless possibilities. 

Have a happy new year and be sure to take some days to play and grow as a family! 

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