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As part of exploring influential women in art, we introduced the children to Yayoi Kusama, a renowned artist known for her bold colors and signature polka dots. Yayoi Kusama’s artwork often features mushrooms, which she transforms into whimsical, dreamlike forms covered with her signature repeating dots and patterns. Inspired by nature, her mushroom paintings explore ideas of repetition and infinity, turning simple, familiar shapes into vibrant and playful works of art that invite viewers to...

As part of exploring influential women in art, we introduced the children to Yayoi Kusama, a groundbreaking artist known around the world for her bold use of color, repetition, and her iconic polka dots. Kusama has spent decades creating immersive installations, paintings, and sculptures that transform everyday spaces into vibrant works of art. Her work often explores the idea that small repeated elements like dots can grow and spread until they completely transform an object or environment....

The picture book  The One & Only Googoosh   tells the inspiring story of Googoosh, one of Iran’s most beloved performers. She began singing at a very young age alongside her father and grew into a national superstar known for her voice, style, and influence. At the height of her fame, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 forced her into silence, preventing her from performing for over two decades. Despite this, her music continued to live on in the hearts of fans around the world, preserving her...

Happy Chaharshanbe Soori! The Persian Festival of Fire marks the start of the Nowruz celebrations, bringing warmth, light, and a fresh start. On this special day, usually a Tuesday or Wednesday, you might see bonfires in public spaces, alleys, in front of homes, and sometimes parks. Jumping over the flames is a symbolic act: letting go of pain, worry, unhappiness, and sickness, while welcoming health, light, and joy. Children join in the celebration by singing traditional songs:...

Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian culture, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature, Nowruz promotes values of peace, solidarity across generations, family togetherness, reconciliation, and neighborliness. It’s a tradition that nurtures cultural diversity and friendship among communities.   During Nowruz, families set a Haftsin table featuring seven symbolic items representing life, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and...

I n honor of  Women’s History Month , we invited the children to create like artist  Ruth Asawa , a Japanese American sculptor whose work celebrated curiosity, nature, and the joy of making things by hand. Asawa was known for her intricate sculptures made from galvanized wire, stone, and bronze. Her organic, nest-like forms were inspired by traditional Mexican basket-weaving techniques she observed during a trip to Mexico. Her work shows how simple materials can be transformed into beautiful,...

Seven Magic Mountains is a colorful outdoor art installation created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Located in the desert just outside Las Vegas, the artwork features seven tall towers made from large stacked boulders painted in bright neon colors. Rondinone created the installation in 2016 to bring a burst of color and creativity to the desert landscape and to explore the connection between nature and human imagination. The vibrant rocks stand out against the natural desert scenery, making...

Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to introduce children to conversations about race, civil rights, culture, artists, musicians, authors, food, & influential public figures, while celebrating the powerful impact of #Blackhistory on our world. When children are exposed to these stories & achievements early on, they begin to develop understanding, empathy, & respect for diversity in ways that shape their learning, attitudes, & sense of belonging. @kehindewiley is an...

We explored the vibrant and dynamic work of  Reginald Laurent , a master colorist and one of the premier abstract artists in the United States. A self-taught, award-winning Chicago native, Laurent has been featured in numerous exhibits for his signature abstract style, filled with bright colors and detailed designs that seem to move and dance before your eyes. As he says,  “My art imitates life because it is representative of the diversity and inclusion of every culture, the backbone of what...

We invited our children to create vibrant 3-D art inspired by  Alma Woodsey Thomas —an American artist and educator known for her joyful, colorful paintings influenced by pointillism and abstract expressionism. At age 80, she became the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the  Whitney Museum of American Art . After reading  A Blaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas  and  Alma's Art , and exploring printed images of her artwork, we set out a large 3-D canvas to...

During Black History Month, learning about Katherine Johnson, an extraordinary mathematician whose love of numbers helped change history & send astronauts safely into space at NASA during a time when both women & Black Americans faced unfair barriers in science & education; her courage, determination, & brilliant thinking remind children that they can dream big & make a difference, & the book Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 brings her inspiring journey to life by...

Can you think of a more thrilling duo than dinosaurs and glow-in-the-dark magic? Gloplay sent us their stick-and-peel dinosaur stickers , designed to be applied, removed, and re-applied for endless adventures. Whether on walls, bathtubs, or tuff trays, these versatile stickers open up limitless opportunities for imaginative play. For this small world play setup, a mini dinosaur landscape was recreated, with stickers thoughtfully arranged to enhance the sensory experience. "Volcano" cones , a...

During  Lunar New Year , lanterns provide illumination, are believed to bring good luck, and symbolize wishes for a bright future. Celebrated across many Asian countries, this special time is filled with traditions, joyful gatherings, festive customs, and delicious feasts, welcoming the arrival of spring and a fresh new year. To begin our exploration, we read  Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival  and  Playing with Lanterns . After learning about the meaning of lanterns and observing real images...

After reading books about the significance of the dragon during Lunar New Year, exploring photographs, and learning about the costumes and puppets used in parades, we extended the literacy experience by inviting the children to create collaborative dragons in two different ways. These creations will be featured in our upcoming Annual Lunar New Year Parade. 1. Symmetry Dragons:  To create their dragons, the children folded their paper in half, squeezed paint drops and designs onto one side,...

Drew a Heart  by @gilliansze (author) and @naokostoop (illustrator) is the perfect story to share during both Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. This lyrical and heartfelt book celebrates creativity, love, and a beautifully diverse, multigenerational family as a young boy spends the day drawing hearts inspired by his favorite people, moments, and memories. After reading the story together, we invited the children to create their own magical rubbing-alcohol watercolor hearts. This engaging ...