Story Time has ended for 2024. It was a monthly highlight for the Education Department, and we know it was for our Story Time regulars. Each visit guests enjoy two stories with a song or dance break in between. After the stories, our young visitors have time to see our model trains and participate in a craft or sensory activity. This format has been in place since the program started in 2021.
This was the first calendar year that Story Time started in early January. Though the Train Shed Exhibit Hall was closed to the public, Story Time guests got to spend an hour inside, which is a great place to shake off the winter blues. This was also the first year that Story Time was offered on the fifth Wednesday of the month. It was a bonus for our guests because this created a “double-header” with the normal first Wednesday of the month the week after.
Another first this year was the introduction of sensory tables during the activity portion. By providing an outlet to explore via water, paint, and objects with different textures, imaginative play in our sensory bins gives children opportunities to learn through play through all their senses. Guests worked with “dot dabbers”, feathers, bubble-wrap, scissors, and colored tissue paper this year. While these objects may seem simple to us, the variety and exploration does wonder for child development. Did we mention it is also fun?
In total, NRM saw 536 guests over the 20 sessions of Story Time in 2024. That’s a lot of little guests! We are proud to offer this free program for our youngest audience. Early access to books, a space for socialization, and a trip away from home does wonders not only for the children but for the grown-ups too! We are happy that families invited older siblings, grandparents, and even friends from far away to join us. Story Time is now on Winter Break, but we can’t wait to see what is in store next year (Mark your calendars for January 15th, 2025)!
