Bulletin News
01/31/2012
Children’s educational programs will explore origami and other arts to celebrate Chinese New Year, family technology with iPads, Zumba and dancing, bicycle safety and spring planting during the Spring 2012 Children’s Museum series that begins on Saturday, Feb. 4.
The Children’s Museum offers interactive, hands-on educational experiences in an environment where Cortland community parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, college students, youth and young children can be inspired to play and learn together.
Presented by faculty and students in SUNY Cortland’s Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department, the programs run on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and are open to community families and their children. The programs will take place at the McDonald Building, 60 Tompkins St., in Cortland. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.
On Feb. 4, Associate Professors Shufang Shi and Lin Lin will host a Chinese New Year celebration. Participants will learn about and create origami fish, Chinese calligraphy and brush painting, and listen to stories related to traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
On Feb. 11, Instructor Chris Widdall will host an interactive event with the help of her students to share iPad technology with grandparents, parents and children of all ages. Participants can experiment with iPads and explore a variety of different applications for all age levels. They can make and send electronic valentines, too.
On March 24, Lecturer Judith Schillo will share stories through several mediums. She will help participants use art, drama, music and technology to craft a story on an iPad. Participants also will be able to enjoy even more stories by taking home a new book.
The Cortland Dance Company will bring its music and dance moves to the Children’s Museum on March 31. Associate Professor Susan Stratton will host this event.
On April 14, Angela Perry, of the Bicycle Safety Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension, will teach children the rules of the road, how to use hand signals and how to safely ride a bike in the neighborhood.
On April 21, the Children’s Museum moves to Kidsville. Stratton and her students will host a table at this community-wide event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cortland County Building Gymnasium, located in the back parking lot at 60 Court Street. Many organizations will participate with free materials and plenty of fun activities.
Associate Professor Orvil White will host the Green Thumb Project on April 28. Participants will plant seeds and find out later if they produce corn, beans, a flower or a mystery. This spring planting can be taken home and enjoyed for months.
To enter the museum, use the building's rear entrance. Limited parking is available behind the building or on the adjacent streets.
For more information, contact Stratton at (607) 753-2467, or visit the Children’s Museum website at www2.cortland.edu/community/childrens-museum.