We are thrilled to have partnered with The DoSeum to bring our readers the latest information about San Antonio’s new Children’s Museum. [hr]
It’s no secret that the Alamo City is a wonderful place to raise a family, and the opening of The DoSeum this summer is a great example of how San Antonio is growing and evolving. This state-of-the art facility opened in the beginning of June and features 104,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for children to explore. It is a playground for learning that is unlike any other in the country. The main exhibits include Sensations Studio, Explore, Innovation Station, Spy Academy, Imagine It!, and Little Town. There’s also an awesome outdoor space including an outdoor river and treehouse as well as space for traveling exhibits. Parking is free; there is a top-notch DoSeum Store; and The DoSeum Cafe, which features healthy and yummy meals for all ages, recently opened!
If you’ve had a chance to visit it, you already know how cool the exhibits are and how each one offers entertainment and education for a variety of age groups. I’m thrilled to share with you a little sampling of what is happening behind the scenes at The DoSeum as well as the first ever Outside the Lunchbox event, which will feature guest speaker Amanda Ripley, author of The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way.
One of the goals of The DoSeum is to go above and beyond simply welcoming visitors every day by offering programs for kids, caregivers, and educators in the San Antonio community. This includes accessibility to all children and empowering them through discovery and active, joyful, creative learning. Currently there are five different community outreach programs:
Educator Professional Development
- Current and pre-service elementary educators will have the chance to participate in reflective and challenging cohorts and classes. Much like the basis of The DoSeum, the offerings will be hands-on and interactive, not simply sitting in a classroom and being lectured on best practices! (As a teacher, I especially appreciate this!) Those at The DoSeum did their research and will be basing the curriculum on Engineering is Elementary (EIE), built by the Museum of Science in Boston. There will also be courses focusing on the knowledge and skills to make educators expert instructors in science, technology, engineering, and math through the STEMtastic Educator Series.
Out-of-School Learning Experiences for Kids
- The DoSeum supports learning both in and out of the classroom. School groups who visit will spend time exploring The DoSeum in a guided facilitation experience in an exhibit, and in a more formal investigation in a classroom space that is connected to a subject chosen by the school and correlates to the exhibit facilitation. How cool is that? There will also be tools for teachers to use for pre- and post-activities related to the field trip taken to The DoSeum. Also, for children who are homeschooled or aren’t currently in school, The DoSeum will to offer daily and weekly classes to support curriculum and learning needs across multiple disciplines.
Outreach Opportunities and Partnerships with Local Schools.
- The DoSeum has partnered with Communities In Schools (CIS) to create a curriculum responsive to the needs of four different elementary campuses. These partnerships include opportunities like “Night at The DoSeum” events for educators and parents to collaboratively lead STEM-based investigations and play with kids as well as strengthen relationships between schools and homes.
Parent and Caregiver Education
- The DoSeum has partnered with the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Education and Human Development to initiate a National Living Laboratory site at The DoSeum. The research conducted will be focused on early learning and caregiver/child interactions in a way that is nonjudgmental, safe, and empowering. All research will, of course, be shared with families in order to strengthen relationships.
Programs for Children with Special Needs
- The DoSeum recently held its very first Sensory-Friendly Hours, designed for children on the Autism Spectrum or with Sensory Processing Disorder. Exhibits were modified and other accommodations (like headphones for children who are sensitive to noise) were made to make every child’s experience a positive one. Additional nights and programs are in the works, so make sure to follow The DoSeum on Facebook for updates.
All of these initiatives are coming together with The DoSeum’s annual Outside the Lunchbox luncheon that is being held on Thursday, September 10! Author Amanda Ripley conducted research around the world to better understand the differences that lead to educational successes versus failures. Her book, The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way, narrows down specific things that parents and educators can do to help children develop a love for learning while also looking at education globally. There are a variety of opportunities for sponsorship as well as individual tickets available for purchase. Sales are live today and will sell out, so don’t wait to get your tickets! Follow this link for more details.
The DoSeum is only scratching the surface of the impact it will have on the San Antonio community. From supporting educators to empowering families and children to develop a love of learning, The DoSeum is carrying the Alamo City into an exciting future!
