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# Activities for Early Learners

Museums are for learners of all ages and abilities. Smithsonian early learning educators work together across our many museums, research, and cultural centers to provide the right tools to help young children learn. The resources on this page, curated by the Smithsonian Early Learning Collaborative, teach children active observation and questioning skills that will help them stay curious and become critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. You can find more resources and techniques by the Early Learning Collaborative here.

## Featured Resources

Featured Smithsonian Children's Resources & Programs
Early learning resources from across the Smithsonian museums and research facilities. 

       Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center  Activities for 1–2 years olds
These very simple activities are perfect for our earliest learners.

Smithsonian Learning Lab Collections
Discover collections of early learning resources from the Smithsonian museums. 

More Resources...

## High Quality Videos

Here is a small selection of high-quality, educational, and age-appropriate video content for children, allowing you to confidently engage your little ones, guilt-free. 

       National Air and Space Museum  Flights of Fancy Story Time
Stories, sketches, and crafts inspired by air and space objects that you can enjoy together at home with young children.

       National Postal Museum  Stamp Stories
Listen to the stories behind the people, places, and things featured on stamps. 

       Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian 
This collaboration with the National Head Start Association features videos, playful activities, and more. 

More Resources...

## Side-by-side Learning and Activities

Here are a handful of side-by-side activities are designed for you to facilitate alongside your young learner.

       National Museum of African American History and Culture  Joyful ABCs
These activity booklets support children’s positive identity development while growing language and literacy skills with activities, museum objects, and new words.

       National Portrait Gallery  Young Portrait Explorers
Explore portraits of astronauts and activists, scientists and star athletes—and discover the stories behind them through close looking, movement, and art-making.

       Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden  About the Artist (For Kids!)
Get to know the artists who made some of your favorite artworks with kid-friendly, interactive artist biographies, available entirely online.

More Resources...

## Expansive Activities

Whether it’s getting out and exploring, or planning a paint-flinging art project, these are sure to be fun activities to do with your young learners. We hope to bring the Smithsonian to your door through our online resources, but we also love it when you visit!

       Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute  Explore Beyond Your Door
Observe high and low, big and small, use your senses and find wonder in nature.

       Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden  Mini Art Lessons
Open-ended opportunities for caregivers of young children to explore art concepts playfully and intentionally.

       Smithsonian Associates  Discovery Theater
This live performance theater serves as a child’s gateway to the exhibitions, collections, and cultures contained in the museums on the National Mall and beyond.

More Resources...

**View the most up-to-date list of Smithsonian family events here.**

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