Studies show that babies start learning in the womb — making sense of light and shadow, recognizing familiar sounds. Once our squishy, squirming little loves are out in this big bright world, the learning never stops. Our wee ones’ brains are like sponges, soaking up everything we are willing to spill before them. Their insatiable appetite for understanding and discovery leaks well into their school years.
It is in honour of our curious tots that the Ontario Science Centre is hosting the latest travelling exhibit, Sesame Street Presents: The Body. Created by the Sesame Workshop and Thinkwell Group, this exhibit offers an interactive, free flowing exhibit that kids can run, touch, jump and feel their way through. Touted as appropriate for ages two — eight, I packed up my thirteen month-old companion and headed to check it out.
My daughter would sneer at the two-year-old recommendation, as she had a wonderful time.
The exhibit is in a safe, self-contained room where she could toddle at will and touch absolutely anything she could reach. Baby girl happily introduced herself to the lovable cast of characters. Since our visit, she has developed a rather close relationship with one Mr. Elmo, shouting his name like a ‘tween at a Bieber concert every time she catches sight of his image. I credit our time at the Science Centre as sowing the seeds for this recent obsession.
A gaggle of boisterous Grade One students were also at the exhibit that day and seemed every bit as delighted as my little one. Popular attractions included Digestion with Oscar in which kids can turn, pull and push their way through simulated digestion and the over-sized Sneeze Machine, where a big-nose actually sneezes on the unsuspecting young scientists. Also teeming with boisterous youngsters was Hooper’s Store, where children can choose healthy snacks and ring through nutritious purchases on realistic cash registers.
Sesame Street Presents: The Body is divided into three educational zones: Your Insides, Your Outsides and Staying Healthy. The display is full of fun, instructive information presented in a way that appeals to our most excited, energetic learners. Kids will have a bundle of fun here, and may just learn a thing or two during their visit.
Free with the price of admission, I’d say Sesame Street Presents: The Body is well worth the trip through the colour-changing tunnel into the lowest level of the Science Centre. Big Bird will greet you with open wings and what could be more welcoming that that!
Sesame Street Presents: The Body is on now through May 5th, 2014 at the Ontario Science Centre. Click here for more information: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/sesame/
To keep the learning going, check out Tips to Help a Struggling Reader and How to Survive Homework Hell.
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