FREE CMNH Admission for NH Childcare Providers!

From September, 2022 through August 2023, We are happy to offer FREE CMNH Museum Admission for Childcare Providers from NH Licensed centers/facilities! Free admission applies only to the childcare provider and one of the following proof of employment is required; valid ID with business card, pay stub, or center ID.

The Museum is able to offer this free admission because we are a recipient of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) INSPIRE! grant for small museums. CMNH launched a series of educational initiatives designed to help providers and families implement enriching, engaging, and developmentally appropriate play-based learning (PBL) activities for children from birth to age 5.

To receive this discount, when reserving a date/time online here, simply reserve with the "adult w/discount (will pay at door)" price type, to reserve your spot for free, then provide proof of employment when you arrive at the museum.

Collaborator Workshops

Available throughout the area, but not hosted at the Children's Museum of NH
If you are hosting an Educator workshop and would like it to be listed here, please reach out to xanthi@childrens-museum.org with the details.

Learning Through Play:
Creating Opportunities for Deeply Connected and Meaningful Experiences

Led by the University of NH Early Learning Coaching team
Held at the McClane Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH
Wednesday, June 28, 9am-3pm (Deadline 5/27)>>
Wednesday, July 19, 9am-3pm (Deadline 6/17)>>
Tuesday, August 8, 9am-3pm (Deadline 7/5)>>

For educators (PS through 3rd grade)

Join the University of NH Early Learning Coaching team for these FREE interactive professional development opportunities for educators (PS through 3rd grade). An introductory workshop will be offered on two dates in which presenters will explore the what, why and how of play-based learning in NH. A second workshop will be offered on a third date and will provide a deeper dive into the implementation of guided play practices. Workshops will all be held at The McClane Center in Concord from 9:00 to 3:00.

Background and context will be provided and we will closely examine essential elements for creating successful play-based learning through the integration of guided-play opportunities for your students. Participants will be invited to explore the plethora of opportunities open-ended experiences present to children and how such experiences are the avenue through which rich, authentic and deep learning can flourish and connections to content are naturally made. On August 8th the workshop will focus on going deeper into these practices: connecting play to content, making learning through play visible and developing 21st century skills through play-based learning. Each afternoon will include opportunities to hear directly from teachers who have integrated these practices into their classrooms.

We will break for lunch, but it will not be provided. Please bring your own lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grounds of this NH Audubon Center.

Participants will:

• develop a deeper understanding of play-based learning, specifically guided-play.

• learn about the teacher as facilitator taking on roles of intentional planner, guide and co-constructor of learning within meaningful play-based experiences.

• experience and engage with open-ended materials and collaborate with colleagues about the opportunities they afford to students.

• learn how to facilitate meaningful play-based learning experiences within classrooms. What does the implementation and facilitation look like?

• become familiar with strategies for documenting and making children’s learning through play visible.

• hear from teachers who are creating time, space and opportunity for authentic and meaningful learning.