Rising Youth Theatre: Write a book together
Let's write and illustrate a book together! Rising Youth Theatre, in partnership with the i.d.e.a. Museum and Benedictine University in Mesa, is providing a few activities this summer to promote storytelling. Special thanks to the Arizona Commission on the Arts -...
Story Time: Puss in Boots
Mesa City Councilmember Jennifer Duff - a longtime i.d.e.a. Museum supporter and former chair of our foundation board - reads today’s story to our museum members and visitors while we remain closed. She...
Inside Art of the Story
We’re taking you inside the Art of the Story exhibition with our Curator Jeffory Morris, who selects the artists featured in the museum. He works with the museum’s Education team to develop the exhibitions so they are fun and educational for families. Read his curator...
Elements of a Story
We love stories in all forms - written, illustrated, painted, musical, etc. Help your child develop his or her own story with this activity from Gallery Educator, Noelle. She shows us the 5 elements of a story - from our Art of the Story exhibition in the video below....
Create Storytelling Stones
One storytelling tradition includes using painted stones as inspiration for oral storytelling. Students can create their own scenery and painted stones to help them tell familiar tales or stories of their own creation. This activity can be paired with a story or song...
Create musical instruments
Tap into your musical side. All you need are recycled materials from home plus some glue, maybe some rubber bands and imagination. Start your artful projects by collecting materials from around your house to create an instrument. Some object you could use include:...
Shape Scavenger Hunt
Shapes can be seen everywhere! Why not make a game out of finding them in our homes and outside! This will be a fun activity for National Scavenger Hunt Day on May 24. First, make a shape chart. Square Rectangle Circle Triangle Add new shapes - stars, ovals, diamond...
Mother’s Day Craft: Colorful Mugs
Homemade gift can be wonderful treasures! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re sharing an activity from our popular Mother’s Day Tea Party, which typically takes place the Saturday prior to mom’s special day. WATCH VIDEO here: ...
Booky Monster Bookmark activity
We’re celebrating of Children’s Book Week (May 4-10) by sharing a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. We chose Booky Monster Bookmarks from our My Favorite Monster exhibit to celebrate the books we love and encourage reading together. WATCH VIDEO here....
3 artful space activities
Happy Astronomy Day! Astronomy Day is celebrated twice a year in the spring and fall. In 2020, we celebrate on May 2 and Sept. 26. Did you know the first Astronomy Day in the United State took place in 1973? Doug Berger, then the president of the Astronomical...
Create flashlight constellations
Want to create a night sky in your room? This activity is a quick and easy way to bring some stars inside. DK offers some constellation patterns and general info. After you make your flashlight constellations, you can keep on learning about stars and constellations...
Draw-a-story game with artist Shachi Kale
Looking for a fun way for you or your child to exercise imagination and creativity? Try creating a game. This drawing + storytelling activty comes from Chandler artist Shachi Kale, who is featured in the i.d.e.a. Museum’s current exhibition, Art of the Story. She...