Wednesday’s theme focusing on working together. When you work together, you learn social skills, teamwork and problem solving. You also develop language and communication skills because to really work together you need to talk to each other.
Building with Magformers on our Magnetic Board in the HUB Gallery. The HUB aims to engage kids of all ages to use their imaginations as they build, design and make.
We love building together at the museum. Right now, we’re challenging kids of all ages to build a 3D design with Magformers on our Magnetic Wall in the HUB Gallery. However, since we are closed on Wednesdays, we suggest trying to build something together at home.
So why do we love to build? Building at this age is a great foundation for learning about engineering, math and science.
You can ask:
- How high can we stack our materials without it falling?
- What makes it sturdy?
- Why do some items fall?
- Will this piece fit?
- Tell me a story about your design?
You can provide your child(ren) a variety of materials to build with – not just toys designed for building play. Some options include books, cardboard boxes and even branches from the backyard. But you can also use popsicle sticks, pool noodles, pillows and blankets, marshmallows and toothpicks, paper and string and more!
If you build something today, please share pictures of children’s creations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #woyc21. Be sure to tag the museum at @ideaMuseum on Facebook and @ideaMuseumMesa on Instagram and Twitter.
Start with a book!
Books we love about cooperation and perseverance. You can find e-books in OverDrive, a digital library collection.
- Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
- How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeny
- Swimmy by Leo Leonni
- The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
- The Tallest Treehouse by Elly MacKay
Find additional suggestions from our friends at Mesa Public Library by clicking the link.
Build a family fort
Walk around the house, inside and out as a family looking for materials and sharing ideas. Create a brainstorming map to keep all your ideas together which can even include a blueprint (or drawing) of what you would like to create.
Once you have everything you need, get started and have FUN!
Create your own world
Gather recyclable items and crafting materials around your home to create a work of art together!
If you have been to the museum, you may have been inspired by some artworks left behind in our HUB Gallery. We’ve seen a variety of cool creations, such as rockets (pictured).
Families are currently encouraged to take try our Upcycle Challenge to create with imagination. Think about how you might use the materials available to you. Then use your imagination to create your work of art.
Just imagine and try it out!
For parents
More resources from National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):
Five Essentials to Meaningful Play
10 Prop Box Ideas (Spanish/Español)
Supporting Child’s Approach to Learning