The harshest months of winter are behind us at last. (Phew!) So now what? Well, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is kicking off spring in a big way! The calendar is packed with active and educational programs. It’s time to shake out of that winter hibernation, wake up your mind, and get moving!
You Make the Call: Learn to be an NFL Official
Exciting news! CMOM’s exhibit “You Make The Call: Learn to be an NFL Official” has been extended until March 23 due to popular demand. This exhibit features a variety of stations such as the NFL Play 60 Obstacle Course. CMOM’s public relations director, Rory Halperin explains, “It’s kids of all ages really getting active,” which ties right in with their dedication to promote a healthy, active lifestyle among children.
Other stations include the very popular Zebra Dance, which combines officiating call signals with trendy dance moves, and the You Make The Call Booth, which is a replica of the sideline instant replay system used by NFL officials today. Kids will be able to look at the different plays and make a fair judgment.
Halperin said, “A big part of it is making kids and parents understand how to make better decision making skills and work together.”
Historic Heroines: Caroline Herschel
March is Women’s History Month and CMOM is making the most of it. On March 1, the museum is featuring Caroline Herschel as part of their Historic Heroines program. As an astronomer, Hershel discovered several different comets. After learning all about her scientific contributions, children will have the chance to make their own glow-in-the-dark comet mobile.
On March 23, kids will also get the chance to learn about Historic Heroine, Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was an activist leader for both Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movement as well as a successful author. Kids will learn about the award named after her that is given to outstanding African American writers and illustrators of children’s books, then create a children’s book in her honor.
Meet the Author
Selina Alko, children’s author and illustrator, is coming to CMOM on March 2 to read her book Every-Day Dress-up. This story is about a girl who trades in her princess costumes for those inspired by great women in history. After listening to the story, children will be able to draw a portrait of themselves in their dream profession.
Continuing with the series on March 30, Marc Brown, author of the famed Arthur series, will be here to read his new book In New York.
“Our “Meet the Author” series gives kids and parents the opportunity to meet both established and emerging authors and illustrators, and is one of the many literacy programs we offer to young children, which is a huge part of our mission here at CMOM,” says Halperin.
Irish Step Dancing With Darrah Carr Dance
St. Patty’s Day is only weeks away and CMOM has an exciting event to celebrate the occasion. On March 15, join Melissa Padham from the Darrah Carr Dance Company for an introduction into Irish Step Dance. Learn all about the history behind the traditions and costumes. Then watch her lightning fast demonstration of both the soft and hard shoe styles. Make sure you wear your own dancing shoes because all will be welcome to try a step or two of the jig.
A craft project will also be set up on both the 14th and 15th where kids can learn about the traditions and celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, and then create a green leprechaun hat to wear.
Preview: April Concert Series
On April 5, Jeremy Plays Guitar comes to CMOM to kick off the April concert series. According to Halperin,“His band teaches all about language and social skills through a lot of his songs.” So sing along, dance along, and learn along with Jeremy’s fun, catchy tunes.
On April 6th, Brooklyn-based kindie rocker, Suzi Shelton and her band will be previewing their new album, “Tomboy in a Princess Dress,” which will be released this spring. The pop-indie-rock tunes can be appreciated by the whole family, and we’ve been told she’s “absolutely terrific!”
People Magazine, Parents Magazine, and The Washington Post awarded Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights with best CD of the year, and now they’re coming to CMOM for a special performance on April 27. This high-energy, interactive concert will quickly get the whole family moving and grooving.
