Grades 1-5 Visit the Boston Children’s Museum
On Friday, November 19th, 57 students and 17 adults headed for the Boston Children’
s Museum in the heart of Boston. The bus was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Most of the students had not visited the museum before, but heard many good things
about it.
Boston Children’s Museum places an emphasis on hands-on engagement and learning
through experience. Their exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental
awareness, health & fitness, and the arts. The students knew they were in for a day of
pure joy!
When they arrived, they enjoyed a brief snack on the waterfront. Already primed to
see and learn new things, they spotted three window washers across the river. Their
descent from the tall building only added to the children's anticipation.
As the students entered the building, they were met with the New Balance Climb: a
3-story climbing sculpture made of brightly painted curved platforms, rising like a fleet
of magic carpets up the new glass lobby of Boston Children’s Museum. Here are some
comments from our students:
“I love mazes, and it is like a maze!”, Olivia R., 2nd Grade
“ I thought the 3-story climber looked cool!”, Garrett, 5th Grade
The students were divided into small groups that dispersed through the museum. This
is a brief description of some of the exhibits they visited and the reaction from St.
Joseph students.
The Art Studio is a fun, messy, hands-on activity space where children and families
make art together.
“I liked doing loops on your fingers, it was awesome!”, Zach, 2nd Grade
“The key wind chimes in the Art Studio were cool looking!”, Rosalie, 4th Grade
Arthur and Friends: Familiar characters – Arthur, Binky, Buster, and D.W. come to
life in favorite storybook scenes: The Read Family Kitchen, Mr. Ratburn’s Classroom,
and the Backyard Sleepover.
“My favorite part was dressing Arthur!”, Jenna, 2nd Grade
“I loved driving the airplane!”, Grace, 2nd Grade
KidStage: This state-of-the-art kid-sized performance space is designed to introduce
children to the wondrous world of performing arts.
“I liked the performance. Caleb blew down my house!”, Jenna, 2nd Grade
The Global Gallery: 5 Friends From Japan: Children experience childhood in
Japan through the eyes of five children who welcome us into their worlds. This
interactive exhibit is designed to entertain and educate by highlighting similarities
and differences between Japan and the U.S.
“I thought the setup of the Japanese house was interesting”, Mason, 5th Grade
“I liked the Japanese house and how they functioned”, Talia, 5th Grade
“I learned how to say ‘hi’ in Japanese!”, Tessa, 2nd Grade
Science Playground: The “Raceways” with golf balls and some pretty quirky tracks
was one of the favorite exhibits. Playing here is not only fun – it reinforces all the
most important skills of scientific inquiry as visitors observe, measure, compare,
discuss, and work together to explore the world around them.
“I liked making the golf balls jump!”, Bryan, 4th Grade
“The golf ball room was cool because you learned different ways to make the golf
balls go!”, Blake, 5th Grade
Boston Black: A City Connects: This exhibition is a dialogue about race, ethnicity,
identity, and community. It’s designed to highlight the tremendous diversity within
Boston’s Black community, share the significant history of Black people in the city,
and stimulate new ways for families with young children to talk about race and
identity.
“You could talk to people from around the world on the phone!”, Julia, 5th Grade
“The steel drums were fun to play!”, Skyla, 5th Grade
The list of exhibits could continue for many more pages! The students truly enjoyed
every aspect of this museum. There was not an idle or bored child the entire visit!
There is a list of people that need to be thanked for this memorable experience. First
of all the students and parents should thank Meditech in Westwood, Massachusetts.
They generously donated the money for our FREE admission. Also, the Boston
Children’s Museum was gracious enough to accept our request and grant us the
tickets. They also greeted us with kindness and made our visit more enjoyable. Last
of all I would like to thank the chaperones. These parents volunteered to give up
their time to watch over the students in order to keep them safe. Without
chaperones, these trips would not be possible. Hopefully, you will accept as your
payment, 57 smiles and countless ooh’s (an interjection used to express pleasure,
satisfaction, surprise, or great joy)!
Mrs. Calabrese
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