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Early Learning

Skill builders for little ones.

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iArt Archives

Messy Creations: Marbling

Got shaving cream and food coloring? Then you can paint another way: By marbling! This activity comes from our Messy Creations series. Be sure to set down some newspaper or a covering for your table to avoid getting too messy. Smocks or old T-shirts are great for...

Create musical instruments

Tap into your musical side. All you need are recycled materials from home plus some glue, maybe some rubber bands and imagination. Start your artful projects by collecting materials from around your house to create an instrument. Some object you could use include:...

Shape Scavenger Hunt

Shapes can be seen everywhere! Why not make a game out of finding them in our homes and outside! This will be a fun activity for National Scavenger Hunt Day on May 24. First, make a shape chart. Square Rectangle Circle Triangle Add new shapes - stars, ovals, diamond...

Roll dice & write a sci-fi story

This fun writing process encourages kids of any age to exercise their imagination. Writing activities help build vocabulary, problem solving and communication skills. This activity has been adapted from an interactive from the Sci-Fi: Fantasy to Reality exhibition....

Skill Builders: Sort-a-Shape

Today we are highlighting some important school readiness skills through our shape sorting activity. This activity can be done in several different ways with materials easily found at home. Shape sorting is a great way to provide children with exposure to many skills...

Early Learning: Shapes

Learning shapes is a key part of preparing little ones for kindergarten. Find some helpful tips for helping your child recognize shapes from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website. The organization is a great resource for early...

Art of the Story coloring book from Cheryl Tall

We’re bringing to you a new way to enjoy the i.d.e.a. Museum’s exhibition, Art of the Story. Today, we are featuring artist Cheryl Tall, who came up with an idea to share a few of her artworks on display at the museum’s Whiteman Family Exhibiton Gallery. Cheryl...

Messy Creations: Smush Painting

Painting can be a great way for your kiddos to create. But we know it can be scary because of the potential for big messes. That’s why we’re sharing a sensory painting method from our Messy Creations workshop that minimizes the mess for little ones, but it’s still a...

MuseumWeek: Textured artwork

It’s MuseumWeek (May 11-17), and we’re celebrating by looking back at some of our favorite artworks and activities at the museum. We love having changing art exhibits in the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery because it gives us an opportunity to share so many...

Playtime STAMPede

Let’s create using upcycled or repurposed toys and a fun paint stamping technique. Our Playtime STAMPede project can be done on a paper bag, a reusable tote, cardboard pieces or simply paper. Whatever you choose to paint on, it will be a STAMPede of fun! While this is...

Mother’s Day Craft: Colorful Mugs

Homemade gift can be wonderful treasures! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re sharing an activity from our popular Mother’s Day Tea Party, which typically takes place the Saturday prior to mom’s special day. WATCH VIDEO here. You can choose to do this...

Booky Monster Bookmark activity

We’re celebrating of Children’s Book Week (May 4-10) by sharing a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. We chose Booky Monster Bookmarks from our My Favorite Monster exhibit to celebrate the books we love and encourage reading together. WATCH VIDEO here....