Newsletter
Summer 2014
letter from the director
Our Mission: To ignite and advance creative thinking for all children. 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 BayKidsMuseum.org Please note: Dates, times and prices are subject to change. Please check out our Web site for the most up-to-date listings.
In this Issue 2 Member News Summer of Fun 3–4 5–6 Who We Are 7–8 Calendar 9–10 Programs 11 Creativity News 12 Connections Update 13 Playdate Thanks 14 Council Corner & Broken? Fix it!
Ages The Museum serves children 6 months to 8 years old, their families, educators and caregivers. Admission Admission: $11 Infants under 6 months: free Members: free Phone Number Main Line: (415) 339-3900 Fax: (415) 339-3901
Museum Hours Tuesday − Sunday: 9 a.m. − 5 p.m. Special Summer Hours June 16 – August 25 Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays Date Nights 5 – 7:30 p.m. Closed Mondays (except when noted) Independence Day, Friday, July 4 and September 8 – 22 (annual maintenance)
r eup of activities for ou r! We have a great lin each rd wa for k loo to I can’t wait for summe new er families something play on Summer of Fun to off ering an extra day to off by l dea the ng eni for our s day Fri on week. We’re sweet nt with live entertainme urs ho r late ff g-o and kin ays Mond we are kic ts. Also new this year, r ou of n atio new Family Date Nigh ebr cel Month, a month-long l programs, cia summer with Member spe oy enj l wil s mber familie members in June. Me each week as our and different surprises nts eve ly -on ers memb . way of saying thank you Community, we are r theme of Family & me sum r ou by ed pir Ins o are incredibly ating those families wh highlighting and celebr ful for our members’ nk tha r members. We are ou al — us to nt rta po im tributions to our Annu memberships and con te for oca adv and support through their rt po sup help Circle. Our members munity that Fund and Discover y are the core of our com ey Th ity. ativ cre and ng es the rni niz lea og d rec oo ldh and , chi ng our work in early open-ended learni ed, ect dir lds and chi ent of nm rtance ate learning enviro understands the impo young elopmentally-appropri w dev ho g is , atin ws cre sho in ch ise Museum’s expert ng – which as resear rni lea of e typ s thi ports programming that sup best! en, children’s brains learn kes it easy to come oft ving a membership ma Ha r . ou ers s res mb me exp r We ou ow and your family. We love getting to kn Discover y nity to get to know you the rtu in po op and s an sse ff cla sta r for which gives ou ering discounts ers on daily basis by off year, and other great gratitude to our memb events throughout the and ing mm gra pro ly on ers! Thank you for ermb mb me me Store, special Museum, thank you the at e her and adv anc e us of all our mission to ign ite benefits. On behalf of ldren, the Museum and chi r you in nt me est making an inv chi ldr en. cre ati ve thi nk ing for all The seum this summer. ing you around the Mu Close Museum I look forward to see
d for An is n al Mainte nanceu : Septem ber 8 – 22
CEO & Executive Di
rector
FREE admission for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel & their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
More Days to Play!
Directions From the North/East Bay: Take the Alexander Ave. exit just before the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow the signs to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and Fort Baker. From San Francisco: Take Alexander Ave. exit. Follow the signs to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and Fort Baker.
Free First Wednesdays sponsored by:
June 16 – August 25 Free First Wednesdays: June 4 July 2 August 6
Open Mondays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Late Fridays 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Our Mission: To ignite and advance creative thinking for all childrern.
member news
We Love Our Members!
June is Member Month
In June, we are celebrating our members with special offers and extra benefits. Just for our members, we’re throwing a Bounce-a-palooza for our June Member Play Date and dedicating our first Family Date Night as Member Appreciation Night. We want to take this month to thank our members for their generosity that enables us to provide a range of engaging programs and exhibitions that are enjoyed by thousands of families every year.
What to Expect During Member Month: • 20% off at the Discovery Store and 10% off at Bean Sprouts Café all month long • “Bring Your Friends Day” — On June 7, bring an extra adult and child to the Museum for free • Special giveaways and prizes • Raffle to win an extra year of membership And more!
Check the website for a full list of events and benefits during Member Month at BayKidsMuseum.org/membermonth.
Member Appreciation Night! Friday, June 20 5 – 7:30 p.m. Open late, Caribbean dance party, bubble giveaway and more.
Donor & Supporting Member
Exclusive Art Excursion
Mission Murals Sunday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.
Extra Special Member Play Date: Bounce-a-Palooza Party Tuesday, June 3 10:30 a.m. – Noon In celebration of Member Month, we are throwing a party just for members. Come get your face painted, bounce around, play, nibble snacks and mingle. Member Play Dates are opportunities for parents and children of all ages to engage with our talented educators in an intimate setting and try out new activities and programs on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Upcoming Member Play Dates:
June 3, July 1 & August 5 Contact Lauren Cooper, Membership Manager with any questions at (415) 339-3954 or lcooper@badm.org.
BayKidsMuseum.org
Since the 1970’s, murals and street art have been a part of San Francisco’s rich social and political history. Take a trip down to the Mission district with us as we view our community through the eyes of the artist and create our own large-scale mural. Space is limited; registration is required. To RSVP, contact Lauren Cooper, Membership Manager, at (415) 339-3954 or lcooper@badm.org. Interested in attending these special events but not a Supporting or Discovery Circle member? Upgrade your membership or join today by contacting the Membership department at (415) 339-3954 or BayKidsMusuem.org/join.
2014 SUMMER 2
who we are
Our 5,700 Member Families visit over 115,000 times a year.
WE
OUR
In celebration of Member Month and this summer’s theme of Family & Community, we want to recognize a very special group of families – our members. They make it possible for us to continue to provide highquality programs and exhibitions that awaken curiosity and bring creative thinking to life. Our members are our biggest supporters and advocates, and we have loved getting to know many of you over the years.
Meet our member families!
Presner Family
Magana Family
Warren Family
San Francisco, CA Members since 2011
Novato, CA Members since 2009
San Francisco, CA Members since 2011
Favorite experience at the Museum:
Favorite experience at the Museum:
Favorite memory at the Museum:
The Messy Art class Dylan participated in as a 2-year-old. Heather and Danielle supported his interests so beautifully, finding ways to incorporate his love of balls and throwing into an art format. I remember when they lined a cardboard box with butcher paper and helped him dip balls in paint, which he then threw into the “basket” to create cool splatter designs!
My favorite memory is when my husband and I took our kids as young toddlers and my son was about 18 months old. We placed him on the waterbed and just seeing his face was a delight! He would crawl around and fall down giggling.
Our first time to the Museum we were visiting from out-of-state. My older son was 4-years-old at the time (he’s now 10) and we both still remember how thrilling it was for him to explore Lookout Cove. We'd never seen any setting that was so thoughtfully engineered for groups of kids to play creatively, together or on their own. And, hey, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge was — and is —spectacular.
What surprised you most about the Museum? I am most surprised by how we have not grown tired of the Museum despite the fact we’ve been going consistently for the past couple of years. The exhibits change frequently, and we seem to always discover something new when we're there. The Museum does a great job of appealing to children at many different stages of development, which makes every trip feel a little different.
What surprised you most about the Museum? The thing that surprised me the most about the Museum is how it makes families play with their kids and use their imaginations. Parents have fun with their kids being indoors or outdoors and how infants and school age kids can both enjoy the Museum.
Describe the Museum in 3 words: Sparks kids imaginations!
What surprised you most about the Museum? The newness from our first visit is still there after six years. We still love the setting, the exhibits, the programs and the staff. We always feel welcomed to play.
Finish this sentence: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a place where… we build confidence to explore new things.
Describe the Museum in 3 words: Inspiring. Creative. Joyful. 3 SUMMER 2014
BayKidsMuseum.org
who we are
M E M BER S Duncan Family
Stabenow Family
Mason-Jacobs Family
Mill Valley, CA Members since 2009
Mill Valley, CA Members since 2013
Fairfax, CA Members since 2010
Favorite memory at the Museum:
Favorite experience at the Museum:
Favorite memory at the Museum:
My favorite memory is when we went to the Chinese New Year Festival and Amara asked me, “Why do we have to have our own New Year daddy, the Chinese one is soooo much better!” Neva’s favorite memory is establishing a crab trading outpost in “the train room,” starring Neva as the number one sales rep and her friend Tessa running the cash register, while they recruited new friends to collect the crabs (wholesale price: one hug). Sierra’s favorite memory is hula hooping while chasing bubbles. Amara’s favorite memory was when she got too tall, by just a hair, to go into Tot Spot. She said, “Daddy, I’m a big kid now, so I’m going to play in the Clifford exhibit with Harris, but you can still take my sisters inside for lily pad adventures on the ponds.”
One of our first experiences at the Museum was a Member Play Date featuring Messy Art. I dressed my kids in play clothes and arrived not really knowing what to expect. Glitter, paint, glue, wood, and a water table happily greeted my children and I was a bit apprehensive as to how messy my three little ones would get. I let them dive in and explore and I am so glad that I did. They had a fantastic time, exploring all the different materials, mixing them, squeezing glue, and sprinkling glitter everywhere! This simple activity opened my eyes to the beauty of messy play, letting the little ones lead the activity and trying new things even if it got a little messy. We have since started using this type of learning at home. Glue, glitter, and paint are all relatively inexpensive supplies, and while I don't want my children to waste the supplies, squeezing an entire bottle of glue out and build a unique wood sculpture is not wasteful…it is learning!
My fondest memories at the Museum are the many late afternoons sitting with my children in the Art Studios — painting, gluing and creating alongside them, with the music playing in the background, the sun and air streaming in through the open doors, the voices of children playing outside — it doesn't get much better.
Finish this sentence: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a place where…we learn together! We
Finish this sentence: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a place where…each visit is always too
Favorite program /exhibit: The indoor/ outdoor options all in one place don’t really exist anywhere else in Marin. We love the woven wicker tunnel, Peekaboo Palace in Lookout Cove.
Describe the Museum in 3 words: Engaging. Creative. Fun.
have a sign in our home that says “Learning is not a spectator sport, so let’s PLAY.” The Museum embodies this philosophy and is a wonderful resource for our family.
BayKidsMuseum.org
What surprised you most about the Museum? The thing that surprised me most about the Museum is that it’s unlike any other children's museum or cultural center we have ever experienced. While its extraordinary location and use of the old army buildings and grounds provide an incomparable indoor/outdoor experience, there is a tangible spark of inspiration in the construction of each exhibit, program and activity — as well as a consistent ethic of encouragement, engagement and support among the staff — which sets it apart from anywhere else.
short, no matter how many hours we've been there.
2014 SUMMER 4
Sunday, June 15
Fridays, June 20 – August 22 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate a day of Dad with a family-inspired project in Studio 10 and a special one-hour Father’s Day art activity in the Idea Spot from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
It’s Family Date Night every Friday this summer. Bring your family to enjoy later hours, live entertainment, special outdoor activities, and more.
Member Appreciation Night Friday, June 20 5 – 7:30 p.m. To kick-off summer and to give special thanks, we are dedicating our first Family Date Night to our members. Bring your dancing shoes for a Caribbean Dance Party, enjoy free treats and take in the view. Members — don’t forget to get your free bubble wand to start summer off the right way. Sign up or renew for a membership AT MEMBER APPRECIATION night and receive an extra month of play.
Caribbean Dance Party with Asheba 5 & 6 p.m., Festival Plaza Putumayo recording artist, Asheba, kicks off the summer with a rhythmic, joyful and interactive performance of your favorite kid’s songs. www.asheba.net Member Appreciation Night is generously supported by:
Friday Date Night Lineup Shows at 5 & 6 p.m., Festival Plaza June 27 – The Raytones
The Raytones combine a mix of pop, funk, and rock & roll with playful lyrics about cool things like hula hoops.
July 11 – Chelle! And Friends
Chelle! And Friends deliver a musically rich gumbo of New Orleans jazz, R & B and gospel, fused with Caribbean rhythms.
July 18 – Miss Kitty
A Bay Area musical treasure, Miss Kitty sings and plays the tunes her pint-sized audience requests.
July 25 – Mariachi Juvenil Los Cachorros
Enjoy the festive music of Mexico with the talented youth group, Mariachi Juvenil Los Cachorros, or The Puppies.
August 1 – DJ Mancub
Join in as DJ Mancub spins his signature mix of some of the top danceable family fun tunes.
August 8 – Blues Whale
Blues Whale, a funky jam band from the Marin Headlands, plays a variety of classic covers from Muddy Waters to the Beatles, along with originals.
August 15 – Enzo
Enzo is a one man band, playing cool instruments like the 5-string banjo, accordion, harmonica, and musical saw.
Friday, August 22 5 – 7:30 p.m. Say goodbye to summer with us as we go out with a bang! Grab a drum and groove with Rhythm Child, participate in a bilingual storytime and bring a picnic blanket to reflect on the fun days of summer. The first 100 visitors at 5 p.m. will receive a free pair of sunglasses.
Drum Circle with Rhythm Child 5:30 p.m., Festival Plaza Known nationally for its high energy & soulful performances, Rhythm Child returns to lead a dynamic drumming circle. Norm Jones with his two sons, Bailey, 10, and Andre, 5, play original family-style roots music. www.rhythmchild.net End of Summer Bash is generously supported by:
y day is a new ad ng. r e o l v r ventu E re, all summe
donate today
Open 7 Days a Week! June 16 – August 25
Summertime Adventure Programs Each week prepare for a new adventure as our free daily programs look to the community around us for inspiration. In June, we will explore different aspects of our homes to transform everyday, ordinary things into the extraordinary. In July, our neighbors spark our creativity and expand our world. Come August, we will be on the move as we investigate planes, trains, boats and bikes. Check out our Daily Programs on page 7 for more information.
June: Homes
Come celebrate essential aspects of homes with themes that include backyard and kitchen play. June 16 – 22: Backyard Play Come get muddy and explore the outdoors with us. June 23 – June 29: Kitchen Lab Use ordinary kitchen supplies in out of the ordinary ways.
July: Neighbors
Be our neighbor and discover architecture, artists, parks and safety. June 30 – July 6: Safety Help us celebrate safety and the people that keep our neighborhoods secure with a week of safe fun in the sun. July 7 – 13: Design The possibilities are endless when you become the designer of your own world. July 14 – 20: Parks Enjoy the great outdoors as we uncover all the fun that our local neighborhood parks can offer. July 21 – 27: Community Artists Be our guests as we uncover the world of community art. July 28 – August 3: Construction and Building Push up your sleeves and get ready to explore construction and building.
August: Transportation
Zoom! Chug! Swish! Investigate Bay Area transportation with programs relating to boats, bikes, planes and trains. August 4 – 10: Bikes Pedal on over to the Museum this week as we experience all things bicycles. August 11 – 17: Boats Ahoy Matey! Imagine your own sailing adventure and be prepared to get wet on our week of water play. August 18 – 25: Planes and Trains All aboard the Discovery Express! Join in on the fun as we see what can happen when planes and trains become our focus.
Join!
Become a member today and enjoy all of our events and programs this summer! BayKidsMuseum.org/membership
Summer is a critical time in a child’s development. Research suggests that many children lose knowledge and skills during summer vacation if not exposed to enriching learning experiences. For this reason, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is committed to being a place where children can continue developing the essential skills they need to be successful in school all summer long. Help the Bay Area Discovery Museum ignite creative thinking for thousands of children this summer by donating to our Annual Fund today. Every child deserves a summer full of high-quality learning experiences, and by making a gift to our Annual Fund, you will help make it possible to reach more children and have a deeper impact on our mission. Donate online by visiting BayKidsMuseum.org/donate, call (415) 339-3954 or write a check made payable to Bay Area Discovery Museum and mail to: Bay Area Discovery Museum Attn: Annual Fund 557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA 94965
Storytime THE BOX Pride Festival in San Francisco
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime Father's Day Celebration
Storytime
Storytime Member Month: Giveaway
sun
29
22
15
8
1
9
2
30
23
16
Open Mondays!
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Member Month: Giveaway Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Museum Closed
Summer Camp
Museum Closed
Summer Camp
mon
2014
Summer Events
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Nature Walk with Ranger Lucy
Toddler Circle Time Storytime
Toddler Circle Time Storytime Music Together® $
wed
25
18
11
4
1
thur
26
19
12
5
2
3
Theme: Neighbors
Sign up or renew for a membership tonight and receive an extra month of play.
6
Generously supported by
4
27
20
13
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – The Raytones
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Member Appreciation Night – Asheba
Toddler Circle Time Storytime
Toddler Circle Time Storytime hop.skip.twirl. $
fri
The Raytones Friday, June 27
Friday, June 20 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime
Toddler Circle Time Storytime
Member Appreciation Night
24
17
10
3
July
Toddler Circle Time Storytime Member Month: Giveaway
Toddler Circle Time Storytime Latin American Painters $ Member Playdate: Bounce-A-Palooza Party
tue
Theme: Homes
More details at BayKidsMuseum.org/ membermonth
Look for the on the calendar for special events and benefits just for members.
June
June is Member Month
7
Storytime THE BOX Member Month: Giveaway Pride Festival in San Francisco
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime
5
28
21
14
Storytime Member Month: Bring Your Friends Day
sat
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
31
24
17
10
3
27
20
13
6
I
Gran dp aren ts!
25
18
11
4
28
21
14
7
MY
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Open Mondays This Summer
Summer Camp
June 16 – August 25
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Nature Walk with Ranger Lucy
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
26
19
12
5
30
23
16
9
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Nature Walk with Ranger Lucy
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
27
20
13
6
28
21
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX End of Summer Bash – Drum Circle with Rhthym Child
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – Enzo
Sponsored by:
8
29
22
15
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – Blues Whales
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – DJ Mancub
1
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Sponsored by:
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Storytime THE BOX
Free First Wednesdays
One Grandparent & One Grandchild will receive free Museum admission BayKidsMuseum.org /grandparentsday
25
18
11
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – Mariachi Juvenil Los Cachorros
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night – Miss Kitty
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Family Date Night –Chelle! And Friends
Sunday, September 7
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
14
7
Generously supported by:
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
First 100 visitors at 5 p.m. get free sunglasses!
31
24
17
10
Independence Day Museum Closed
Theme: Transportation
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Friday, August 22 5 – 7:30 p.m.
August
29
22
15
8
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
C e l e b r at e G r a n d pa r e n t s Day !
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Member Playdate
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX
Toddler Circle Time Storytime THE BOX Member Playdate
30
23
16
9
2
26
19
12
programs
Daily Programs ARTIST-INRESIDENCE Are you an artist? Do you love working with kids? Apply for our Artist-in-Residence program today! Each quarter, we feature an artist who exemplifies our seasonal themes and encompasses the Museum’s mission to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children. Don’t miss out — our next deadline is coming up on June 15. For more information,visit BayKidsMuseum.org/artistinresidence. For inquiries or to submit a proposal, please email artistinresidence@badm.org.
I
MY
G ra n d pa ren ts ! Grandparents Day Sunday, September 7 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. One Grandparent & One Grandchild will receive free Museum admission Celebrate the grandparents in your family with us on National Grandparents Day. For more information, visit BayKidsMuseum.org/grandparentsday. Sponsored by:
Looking for an entryway into a magical world of stories? Have you ever wanted to experiment and tinker with fun material under the sun? You can experience the wonder of the Museum with our free daily programs when you make us part of your family this summer. In addition to our intuitive exhibits that inspire curiosity, problem solving and imagination, these enhanced daily experiences offer deeper engagement in the most important aspect of the summer — PLAY!
Toddler Circle Time, Tot Spot
Mondays – Fridays, 9:30 – 10 a.m. Toddler Circle Time is an opportunity for our youngest visitors to practice language, movement and making new friends.
Storytime, Various Locations
Mondays – Sundays 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Connect classic stories and themes in our unique exhibits as we explore new worlds and go on amazing journeys in our interactive storytimes.
THE BOX, Satterlee Way Mondays – Sundays 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. This is no ordinary box. It’s a brand new temporary, open-air program space at the Museum designed for out of the box thinking. Each week prepare to experience something new as we connect THE BOX to our weekly summer themes.
Play Coaches, Everywhere
Wednesdays, June 18, July 16 & August 20, 10:30 a.m. Once a month, Ranger Lucy will lead interactive nature walks in Lookout Cove. Come learn about the plants and animals that live at Fort Baker with our very own National Park Ranger. All programs are subject to change. Please check our on-site program chalkboard for updates.
Anyday, anytime. Did you know that play enhances executive function and divergent thinking skills in children? These skills are necessary for creative thinking and success in school and life. This summer, we invite you to play with our Discovery Guides. These orange-apron-wearing, fully-trained play facilitators will have special play tool belts equipped to enhance your Museum experience and heighten your child’s discoveries.
G ROU P V I S IT S Through a self-guided tour, your group will enjoy 2.5 hours of openended, free-choice play and learning in our unique exhibit spaces. Visit BayKidsMuseum.org/ groupvisits for more information.
2014 Summer 7
Nature Walk with Ranger Lucy, Lookout Cove
Join us for San Francisco’s 2014 Pride Festival on June 28 & 29. Visit BayKidsMuseum.org/pride for more details.
Introducing: Teen Volunteer Council One of the great joys of working at the Museum is welcoming past visitors into our ranks as volunteers and staff members. A large number of our Summer Discovery Guides came to the Museum as young children, and have rich memories interacting with our staff and exhibits. We love seeing the trajectory of young adults returning to the Museum, inspired by their own experiences, to ignite creative thinking for the next generation of visitors. Inspired by the magic these people bring to the Museum floor, we have launched the Teen Volunteer Council. In January of this year, we welcomed six incredible young leaders to our volunteer program. Over the past several months, the Teen Council has attended numerous workshops to develop their work readiness skills, learn about best practices in customer service and early childhood education, and build relationships with our visitors and staff. The Teens have played extensively in the exhibits, reconnecting with their inner child and contributing to our community of lifelong learners. We look forward to providing more opportunities for high school students to engage with the Museum, and share the positive impact the Museum had on their childhood with you, our visitors. Stay tuned! To learn more, visit BayKidsMuseum.org/teencouncil or contact Madeleine McGuire, Visitor Experience Assistant Manager, at mmcguire@badm.org or (415) 339-3978. The Volunteer Program is always looking for enthusiastic people to contribute to our magical place by the Bay. Join us today!
NEW!
Not-A-School Pre-K Program
We are very excited to announce our new specially designed afternoon program just for friends who are four- and five-years-old. Children will experience our open-ended, child-directed approach to early childhood education as they engage in meaningful project work, which supports their cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. The new Pre-K Program can serve as a stand-alone experience for children in between preschool and Kindergarten, or complement a traditional Pre-K, T-K or Kindergarten program. We are happy to host interested families for private tours by appointment throughout the summer. Monday – Friday, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Supporting Members $11,250; General $13,500
Get ready for an exciting summer filled with creativity and outdoor play led by our talented and professional staff!
For more information: Heather Posner (415) 339-3982 hposner@badm.org BayKidsMuseum.org/notaschool
We still have plenty of room in our special afternoon camp, Summer Camp Sampler, which features highlights from our best camp themes. Each afternoon, children can try themes they may not have experienced before or they’ll have freedom to dig deeper into some of their favorites.
“ My 4-year-old daughter loves Not-A-School and will be in the Pre-K program next year. We are so happy that this unique program will extend the opportunity for her to play and learn in such a developmentally attuned, creative, intelligent, and open environment. "
Summer Camp Sampler 1 – 4 p.m.
Supporting Members $150; General $175 To register and for more information, visit BaykidsMuseum.org/camps.
– Not-A-School Parent BayKidsMuseum.org
2014 Summer 8
creativity news
An interview with Alison Gopnik, Ph.D. Experiencing hands-on science curriculum
Building Blocks of Creative Thinking Creativity Workshops for Early Childhood – Fifth Grade The CCC’s workshops are designed specifically for teachers in early education through fifth grade, in both public and independent schools. Research demonstrates that this is a critical developmental time for early learners — when the foundation is laid for a lifetime of creative thinking.
Summer Intensive 2014 Kindergarten – Fifth Grade Three-day workshop that links research with classroom practice, highlighting alignment with the many threads of the Common Core State Standards that strive to support complex thinking. Supplementing our multi-day workshops, we offer a series of four Follow-On Sessions during the school year. These sessions support teachers to build a creativity-based classroom that ties brain science and pedagogy to content. Workshop Only $700 Workshop + Follow-on Sessions $1075 Early Childhood Two-day workshop developed specifically for early childhood educators to support the application of research in their teaching environments. Workshop $500 For more information and to register, visit CenterforChildhoodCreativity.org/workshops.
“What makes this training exceptional is that it uses brain science to address 21st century learning skills, and it supports schools in the transitions we are seeing in education. Most importantly, it enables teachers to implement those skills the very next day and that’s why I’m sending all teachers in the district.” Judith Arrow Director of Educational Services, Dixie School District
“This was the best PD I’ve ever attended.” Second-grade teacher
Helen Hadani, Associate Director of Research The mission of the Museum and CCC is “to ignite and advance creative thinking in all children.” What do you think are some of the critical components of creative thinking? How do you see your research relating to creative thinking? Creativity means being able to consider and explore many different options both hypotheses about what the world might be like and options for what do in the world. It also means putting together existing ideas in new ways. Our research suggests that children may be better at all of this than adults are. Computer scientists talk about a trade-off between “explore learning” and “exploit learning” and children seem to be on the “explore” side. I would love to hear about the new book that you are writing. Would you mind giving us a preview of some of the main topics and what you are most excited about sharing in the book? The tentative title is Parents Without Parenting and it’s a kind of “antiparenting” book. I try to describe what science tells us about the relationship between children and parents, which is very different from the usual “parenting” picture. Briefly, instead of thinking of parenting as a kind of work with the goal of improving children, we should think of being a parent as being in a special kind of relationship with another person. What are some of the hot topics in developmental research? Where do you see the field going in the next 10 years? One very hot topic now is children’s social understanding — how they come to understand in-groups and out-groups, rules or norms, and social categories like race, nationality and gender. Even very young children seem to be more sophisticated in their social cognition than we would have thought. Another important development is the 11 SUMMER 2014
Alison Gopn CCC Advisory Boardik, Ph.D., Member
idea that children implicitly understand probability and make probabilistic inferences and deductions about the world around them. And there is just starting to be really interesting work on how children actively seek out information, from other people or from the world around them. Can you offer a few recommendations for how parents can foster learning in young children through shared experiences? I think that children were designed to be apprentices of a sort — they are fascinated by seeing adults do something skillful. Often parents can integrate even very young children into what they would be doing themselves — cooking and gardening, or shopping or playing music are great examples, rather than doing some special thing
I think that children were designed to be apprentices of a sort — they are fascinated by seeing adults do something skillful. that is just something you do with kids. My two-year-old grandson and I make pancakes together and water the plants every time he comes to visit. It takes a lot of patience — those pancakes will take at least six times as long as is if did them myself, but its a lot of fun for both of us. And he’s genuinely learning even at two! And going to science museums like the Bay Area Discovery Museum gives children and adults a chance to be in a shared, safe, public space with other people and children, at the same time that they can both be involved in learning simultaneously.
BayKidsMuseum.org
connections update
Our comprehensive outreach program aims to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children through sustainable relationships between the Museum and the Bay Area’s diverse communities. Our par tnership with subsidized preschools brings thousands of children, their educators and families to the Museum for multiple visits each year. yra Rehnreldt
Marin Head Start teacher, Ma
Connections Teacher Spotlight Heather Miller, Connections Manager
Mayra Rehnreldt is a teacher of 3 – 5-year-olds at Marin Head Start, where she has worked for eight years. As a Connections partner, Mayra brings children and parents to the Museum five times a year from their preschool located at Bahia Vista Elementary in San Rafael. Outside of teaching, Mayra is also a Museum member and mother of Jake, age 6, and Marcus, age 22. I sat down with Mayra this spring to talk with her about her perspective of the Museum both as a mom and as a teacher. How do you think Jake’s experiences at the Museum have shaped him as a learner? It has deepened his interest in nature and given him the confidence to investigate. I strongly believe that part of the reason his interest has grown is because we visit the Museum a lot and he feels very safe and familiar. It has given Jake the security he needed. We follow his agenda at the Museum, not mine. It has made a huge difference. Have your experiences at the Museum shaped your role as a mom? The Museum has become a part of our life, become a place for quality time for me and Jake. Time at the Museum has provided me with a different view of my son’s growth—in vocabulary, knowledge and curiosity. It became so important to me to visit as often as we could to support his interest. It was healthy for me because I don’t have to say “no” or “this way” or “that’s too far”. I became more interested in nature, too. Something I didn’t do before! Then, Jake and I were so inspired that we now hike once a month close to home. When we get home we make books together from photos of our hikes. We make drawings of our memories or our favorite things.
Mayra's sons, Jake an
d Marcus
What is your hope for the parents in your classroom when you bring them to the Museum? My hope for parents is that they feel a sense of belonging at the Museum. That they feel comfortable and expand their understanding that the Museum is a place where they can relax and children can explore safely, freely. I believe in the Museum and help my parents to become leaders, to become ambassadors for the Museum. What advice do you give your parents to support their children’s learning at the Museum? Commit to visit the Museum more than once. Go with friends so they feel supported. Observe and become familiar with things. But most importantly, take time as a family and to talk about the experience together.
Mayra lives in Mill Valley with her husband Bob and youngest son, Jake. In the fall of 2014 Jake will enter first grade at Edna Maguire Elementary, the same school his big brother Marcus attended. Marcus lives in New York where he dances at Gelsey Kirland Academy of Classical Ballet.
BayKidsMuseum.org
Mayra at the Museum with her students
2014 SUMMER 12
A Soaring Thank You!
Visit us after you play! membe
Playdate 2014: Jet Set to Rio was a high flying success. From the Samba dancers and Brazilian drummers, to the magnificent parade floats incorporating the creativity of young Museum visitors, it was a unique and memorable evening. Thank you to everyone who attended and generously donated to the event. Your involvement in Playdate directly supports the Museum’s mission to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children. A special thank you to our Playdate corporate sponsors: Contributing Sponsors
rs
sav e 10%
patron Sponsors
Princess Potty and Pirate Potty Do you want to hear a secret? Even princesses and pirates use the potty! These wonderful toilet-training books include stickers for celebrating triumphs. $5.99; Members $5.39
Anonymous Adobe Deutsche Bank Dodge & Cox Ernst & Young Fireclay Tile UBS Investment Bank TPG The Walt Disney Company
Event Co-Chairs, Jea na Toney, Kathryn Freeman & Alexan and CEO & Execut der Frasier ive Director, Kar yn Flynn
in-kind Donors
My Soft World City Do you already have our favorite Wood Like Blocks used in the Art Studio? Now you can add even more play value with My Soft World city. $24.95; Members $22.46
Brio’s Double Suspension Bridge The Discovery Store now carries Brio Trains! We especially love Brio’s Double Suspension Bridge. It’s the perfect additions to any wood train set. $34.95; Members $31.46
Visit the store anytime. No Museum admission required.
Your purchase supports the Museum
Adonal Foyle's Kerosene Lamp Foundation Alaska Airlines Alexis Hotel Barbara Butler Artist-Builder, Inc. Canlis Restaurant Carmel Valley Ranch Cavallo Point Chloe Warner at Redmond Aldrich Design Coastal Camp at NatureBridge Crooked Nest Cultivar Wine Dacor Dirt to Dine Adventure Camp Extreme Pizza Fireclay Tile Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Galileo Learning Galvin Flying Service Gregangelo and Velocity Circus Hotel Monaco San Francisco Illumigarden Imagination Playground J.Crew Group Jawbone Joseph Cozza Salon Michael Mina San Francisco Northstar California Oakland Athletics Paula LeDuc Fine Catering Plath & Co. General Contractors San Jose Earthquakes Slide Ranch SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills Sports Basement Steve & Kate's Camp Sutro Architects Tiffany & Co. Yolo Yogurt Lounge
Samba dancers
by Gregangelo
and Velocity Cir
cus
And A Sky High Thanks to our Event Chairs Alexander Fraser, Board of Trustees Kathryn Freeman, Board of Trustees Jeana Toney, Board of Trustees Stephanie Eggert, Discovery Council Kristen Frank Chaudhry, Discovery Council
Council Corner We wish to thank all Discovery Council members for another amazing year and give a special thanks to Jocelyn Herndon who will co-chair the Museum’s Goblin Jamboree for the third year this fall. We recently asked Jocelyn about her experience on the Council why she’s so gung ho for Goblin. How did you first get involved with the Museum’s Discovery Council? I saw the Museum’s advertisement that the Council was looking for new members. I already loved visiting the Museum with my daughter and was looking for ways to get more involved.
The Herndon Family
What's been your favorite part of being on the Council? I've met some fantastic women, gotten to know the Museum staff, and had a chance to ask the experts at the CCC questions that have helped me understand my daughter, how she learns and how to encourage her creativity.
What do you wish other people knew about the Council? You don’t have to know someone to join; when I joined, I didn't know anybody. It’s a great group of women who all love coming to the Museum with their children. The Council is fun and a great chance to give back.
This will be your third year co-chairing Goblin Jamboree — why are you so gaga over Goblin? Autumn is my favorite season and I love planning Halloween events, so for me, Goblin is like a big party. I love how much my daughter enjoys Goblin; like mother like daughter.
The Museum focuses on creativity and now there is a growing interest in creativity in schools and leading businesses worldwide. What excites you about this emphasis on creative thinking? I think parents and educators are learning to have a new appreciation for what creativity is and how important it is to encourage creative thinking. I didn’t do particularly well in school because I am dyslexic, but I excelled when I was challenged creatively. Creativity has always been a big part of my life; I am fortunate to be encouraged to incorporate creativity into my profession.
If you are interested in joining this committed group of women on the Discovery Council, contact Lea Wood at (415) 339-3952 or lwood@badm.org.
New Special Exhibition Through September 8
Things break; that's a given. From the Stone Age wheel to the modern computer, all technologies throughout history at some time have needed repairs. When something breaks, what do you do? Broken? Fix it! invites visitors to embrace the broken as they discover the joy and satisfaction in making things whole or usable again. The exhibition builds creative thinking and problem solving skills and fosters cooperation and teamwork as families and groups solve broken things together. Local support generously provided by
Local media support
Broken? Fix it! was developed by the Long Island Children’s Museum with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
BayKidsMuseum.org
2014 SUMMER 14
NON-PROFIT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO 259
Fort Baker 557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA 94965 BayKidsMuseum.org
S p las h i nto S u m m e r
with our Award-Winning Birthday Parties
Special for Summer 2014
Now through September 7, book the incredibly fun, limited-time only Beach Bonanza! This party will feature everything there is to love about a day at the beach including sand, sun and water activities. For more information on our award winning birthday parties, please visit BayKidsMuseum.org/birthdays. To book a party please call (415) 339-3931.