by Syble Solomon, Hamilton
A children’s discovery museum here would be awesome! When we visited one geared toward young children (under 8), our grandkids instantly engaged and had a great time. With a firefighter’s hat on and holding onto a large dalmatian stuffed animal, my grandson (3) got in the firetruck and was ready to save the world! In the veterinarian room my other grandson (6) was saving animals with examinations, injections and surgery. There was an area for camping, construction, a bakery and so much more. We loved joining in, but they also liked having other kids there to play with. We actually could have an adult conversation as the kids were so involved in their play—and everything was safe and clean, so we could relax while keeping an eye on them. During their visit, we went multiple times and each time was a new experience they loved.
At a much bigger children’s museum there were opportunities for kids of any age to engage and have fun from doing things in the arts and pretend areas to coming down massive slides, building with different types of blocks, figuring out how things work and having lots of space to run, go around obstacle courses and climb, Even though it is a “children’s” place, it was almost impossible for any teen or adult not to want to be involved. It was infectious!
An observer in these play spaces might be surprised that there was very little need for instructive discipline. When kids have the space to use their natural energy safely and there are materials that actively engage them, it miraculously minimizes problem behavior. And an observer might say everyone was just having fun, but there is an enormous amount of learning going on. Kids are challenging themselves to do things they don’t have the opportunity to do in their everyday lives and without realizing it, they are learning skills that support reading, math, decision making, planning and so much more.
A discovery museum in the Bitterroot would provide a much-needed activity for our kids and be appreciated by everyone who has grandchildren and young friends visiting. Anita Wotkyns is teaming up with others here to make it a real community effort to bring together talent, enthusiasm and opportunities for our kids. Let’s support her to make this a reality!