Playful Learning Engages Families in Aurora

DuPage Children's Museum (DCM) is reaching into the Aurora community with programs that engage families in math, science and play! In addition to programming for families, Play to Learn has extended its reach by offering workshops for childcare providers. In collaboration with SPARK (Strong Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten), an initiative of the Fox valley United Way, Play to Learn programs were offered to families throughout the fall.  Workshops for teachers of young learners are ongoing through January, 2014.

The Play to Learn family program offers a mini-Museum experience through interaction and learning with some of DCM’s amazing portable exhibits! Smaller versions of the Museum’s favorite exhibits are taken off-site where children engage in a playful style of learning with parents and caregivers as well as Museum facilitators.  Through this program, parents are offered information about how learning experiences in math, art, and science can be encouraged—during the program and at home.

Take a look at some of the highlights pictured here.

Although the family programs have ended, there is still time to register for workshops that take place on December 5, 2013 and January 15, 2014. If you are an early childhood educator or home childcare provider in the Aurora area contact SPARK directly for more information. Remaining workshops are held at the Eola Public library and focus on Math, Science, and Literacy as well as Playful Learning: Focus on Play.  

Who knows? Play to Learn programming may be taking place in your neighborhood! Look for DCM’s  Play to Learn at your local library or contact DCM’s Early Learning Specialist for more information.