As we near closer and closer to winter, and colder temperatures and shorter days become the norm, few activities feel as perfect in the late fall as cozying up to a good book. The same can be said to those visiting here at Explore & More. A central focus of our organization is to highlight and emphasize the importance of literacy. Walking through our museum space you will notice that there are books accompanying nearly every exhibit. These have been curated to match the theme of the exhibit they have been placed within.
Reading these books while in the exhibit offers a tremendous learning opportunity as it is easy to connect what a child is experiencing to the words they are reading or being read. Apart from these connections, encouraging reading while playing can help make reading fun, thus making children even more likely to pick up a book for fun! Apart from the thematic books placed throughout our exhibit spaces, there are a few areas that are perfect for taking a few minutes to sit, breathe, and pick up a book.
Our sensory friendly rooms can be used by anyone needing a quick break from the noise and excitement of Explore & More and are equipped with several books and sensory-friendly manipulatives (these rooms are located on the 2nd and 4th floors). Reading in the Community Treehouse can be a truly rewarding experience as immersing oneself in the natural surroundings can help foster imagination. Lastly, please check out our new Book Nook, which is located on the top of the packet boat in the Moving Water exhibit. This area was developed specifically for reading, and you can find a variety of books that range from picture books to chapter books.
Cozy up in the beanbag chairs and participate in a reading adventure. Take some time and encourage children to read in the museum. Making reading a part of play will benefit development and assist in childhood literacy!
