Beyond Our Walls: DCM’s Play to Learn Program

DuPage Children's Museum (DCM) does so much to encourage learning and play at 301 N. Washington in Naperville that often our visitors do not know what is happening beyond our walls!  In a series titled, Beyond Our Walls, programs that take place outside of the Museum will be highlighted.

"Play to Learn"

Parent & child construct with Magna-tiles

DuPage Children's Museum offers "Play to Learn"  programs highlighting our wonderful collection of portable exhibits and materials to many local preschools and libraries. The program invites parents/caregivers and children to play and learn together while interacting with DCM’s portable exhibits and materials that focus on the areas of play, mathematics and science.  The ultimate goal is to offer experiences that engage families and promote early learning right at home!

The Play to Learn program offers three components. First, our specialized and trained staff discuss with parents and caregivers the aspects of play and how learning can be incorporated. Next, parents and caregivers as well as children are invited to play with DCM’s portable exhibits. This gives parents the opportunity to take information presented to them and apply it while DCM staff are available to answer questions.

Finally, materials are provided for activities that encourage learning at home.  These thoughtfully planned activities are designed to show the simplicity of extending early learning opportunities right in the home! And they help participants to better understand the experiences they might have at the Museum on a visit, too!

Sorting by attribute is early math

Our next adventures utilizing Play to Learn will take us to the Aurora Public Libraries this spring.  Check the library site for registration information today!

The "Play to Learn" program has been supported by the DuPage Community Foundation, Topfer Family Foundation and S.P.A.R.K. Aurora Early Childhood Collaboration.

For more information on play and learning, follow this link to LearnNow.org.