For Caregivers 2

Play and exploration enable children to learn in their own ways and at their own pace, regardless of their needs.

Watch this video to learn how adults can foster children’s self-directed play and exploration, based on the learning approaches Museum educators use in programs.

The video highlights programs done in the Museum, but the learning approaches apply anywhere!

How does Everyone Explores meet your child’s and your family’s needs? 

Flexible & Adaptive

Engage in activities at your child’s and your family’s own pace and style. There is no “right” way to do an activity – you can try it in many different ways!

You don’t need to finish an activity at once. Start, pause, and try again later.

Enjoy Challenges

Try an activity that works with your child’s strengths and interests.

Coming up with creative solutions to challenges promotes social-emotional development, such as managing frustration and emotional coping.

Build Skills

Activities are designed to promote different skills, including using hands and fingers, thinking about self and others, solving problems, and persisting.

Try activities that are enjoyable, while also supporting your child’s goals!

Tips for supporting your child during their play and exploration 

Observe and follow your child’s lead

Adult and child making a pose with arms up

Follow how your child engages in each activity and the way they interact with tools and materials. It may be different from your own approach, but try it their way! Before redirecting your child, ask yourself “why?” Be clear about your reasons for redirecting, which might include safety issues or other boundaries that are important to maintain.

Use different senses, tools, and approaches

Ear, eye, and hand

Even if an activity is primarily visual, is there a way to engage through touch or hearing? Can your child work directly with their hands instead of using tools? If an activity or specific instruction won’t work for you and your child, feel free to ignore it! Reshaping activities in a way that’s meaningful for your child can lead to a better learning experience.

Encourage enjoyment

Smile with a speech bubble that says "haha"

Learning is a process that builds up over time. Success looks different for each child, and mistakes are really important opportunities for learning. Tap into your sense of humor and playfulness. Enjoy the moment – explore, discover, connect, and wonder together!

Observe and follow your child’s lead

Adult and child making a pose with arms up

Use different senses, tools, and approaches

Ear, eye, and hand

Encourage enjoyment

Smile with a speech bubble that says "haha"

Follow how your child engages in each activity and the way they interact with tools and materials. It may be different from your own approach, but try it their way! Before redirecting your child, ask yourself “why?” Be clear about your reasons for redirecting, which might include safety issues or other boundaries that are important to maintain.

Even if an activity is primarily visual, is there a way to engage through touch or hearing? Can your child work directly with their hands instead of using tools? If an activity or specific instruction won’t work for you and your child, feel free to ignore it! Reshaping activities in a way that’s meaningful for your child can lead to a better learning experience.

Learning is a process that builds up over time. Success looks different for each child, and mistakes are really important opportunities for learning. Tap into your sense of humor and playfulness. Enjoy the moment – explore, discover, connect, and wonder together!