School Programs
The Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) provides the ideal environment for using play to learn science, language arts, social studies and the arts, as well as the importance of community. Designed to meet NY State Learning Standards for grades Pre-K through 2nd Grade, CMEE’s school programs can be adapted to meet the specific needs of students and teachers.
Why play is vital for school children
Play provides a safe space for children to express new ideas without worrying about criticism. Play builds an awareness of language, fosters independence and self-esteem. Play teaches children to negotiate and compromise, and enables them to construct narratives and a sense of identity. CMEE’s school programs offer numerous opportunities for children to learn through play.
Program Options
CMEE offers three different school programs that can be augmented for larger groups or for a longer visit to the Museum. Each program is thematically-based focused on one exhibition area of the Museum and includes dramatic play, games, and a creative activity such as gardening or art.
Producers and Consumers
Employing dramatic, active, and constructive play, students take on different roles in the “CMEE Diner” exhibit pretending to be chefs, servers, customers, custodians, managers. In addition to participating in fun role-playing games, students create art “products” and commercials while they learn new vocabulary and become more aware of the people and jobs involved in a business.
Firefighters and Fire Safety
Students learn fire safety by pretending to be firefighters responding to an emergency, using firefighting equipment including a fire truck, hoses, and ladders. While participating in a scavenger hunt during the program, students understand how to identify fire hazards, escape from a fire, and recognize their designated meeting place. Students will also become comfortable with a firefighter’s appearance, including her/his breathing apparatus, flashlight, and air tank.
Farmers
By pretending to manage a farm at CMEE, children learn about the science and culture of agriculture. While discussing what fruits and vegetables need to grow, students will discover how farmer sow and harvest seeds and how they can plant their own seeds themselves. After learning what they typically find on a farm such as tractors, animals, and crops, students will receive their own planting crates where they will plant their own fruit or vegetable seeds.
Scheduling a School Visit to CMEE
School visits typically take place on Tuesdays at 10-11:30am, 11:45-1:00pm, or 1:15-2:30pm. CMEE can accommodate schools with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 students at one time. Teachers should book a minimum of two weeks in advance to secure their desired date and time.
CMEE’s school programs are flexible, however. If you wish to schedule on a day other than Tuesday or if your group is lower than the minimum or exceeds the maximum of students, please call CMEE’s Program Manager at 631-537-8250 to make arrangements.
Tour Fees & Confirmation Materials
School visits are $7 per child and there is no fee for instructors or chaperones. Passes or memberships of any kind are not accepted as entrance admission fees for group visits. Thanks to funding from the Stephenson Pope Babcock Foundation and the New York State Council for the Arts, CMEE is able to provide several free programs for schools. Please email education(at)cmee.org for details.
Teachers receive a confirmation of their program via email or fax that will include pre- and post-visit materials and information about bus parking, lunch space, and cancellation policies within one week of booking their visits.
Testimonials
The best children’s museum I’ve ever seen – the children loved it”
-WesthamptonBeachLearningCenter
“Thank you for your time and energy. This museum is amazing! Great activities and interaction. It’s ‘make believe’ made real”
-Springs Elementary School
To schedule a group visit, or for information, please contact CMEE at (631) 537-8250 or
e-mail education(at)cmee.org.
