Resource Hub

Play-based nature education is about exploring and having fun in the natural world. For young children, it is not yet about learning the names of rocks or how plants grow. First, they need to feel curious and try new things. Experiencing nature is an important early step towards respecting and caring for the world around them.

Children aged 2-5 are just starting to develop the skills that will help them feel confident and successful when they enter school. For many children, starting school is a big change! It might be the first time they are away from family for a long period. Spending time with other children their age might be a new experience, too.

Tinkering is open-ended exploring and creating using the objects and materials in our everyday lives. We are all natural tinkerers. If you have ever experimented with a recipe, fixed something with glue or nails, or made a gift for a friend—then you have been tinkering! There is often a sense of accomplishment that goes along with tinkering. This experience of self-initiated exploration, discovery and accomplishment for our youngest learners, is what we’d like to share through this collection.

Beyond the Chalkboard is the work of a host of staff from Boston Children’s Museum, with additional contributions from educators from a number of organizations, as well as invaluable input from teachers in afterschools across Boston and Massachusetts.

In these hands-on design challenges, engineering and empathy come together as an integrated whole. Elements of empathy are specifically drawn out to encourage students to consider the needs and feelings of the various stakeholders in the challenge in order to design successful solutions.

Fine motor skills are needed for everyday life and for success in school. They help children do more things for themselves, like writing with a pencil, zipping your jacket, and using a fork. Your child can develop and practice many fine motor skills through play or by helping in your home.

Math is about numbers, shapes, sizes, and patterns. These ideas are all around us, and they are fun! Children ages 2-5 naturally explore math as they play. Counting steps, sorting toys, or dancing to music help them explore math ideas in playful ways.

Play is the very best way for babies and young children to develop and grow. And playing together can help you connect with your child to build a strong, positive relationship. But it can be hard for adults to know how to play. Here are some ideas of ways to play.

Me, You, We is filled with resources to help your child develop and practice their social-emotional skills.

Social-emotional development is how children learn to understand themselves, connect to and behave with other people, and be independent and make good choices.