TCMU Pops Up in Scotland
“Tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
There’s no better example of this quote than The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. One of the largest children’s museums in the nation, it’s also a Smithsonian affiliate.
The museum’s bragging rights have recently gone global. TCMU Spartanburg director, Catie Davis, and CEO Lauren Luneckis flew to Scotland to take part in the 2023 International Play Association World Conference. They were among five hundred presenters chosen from a field of seven thousand! Director Davis’ doctoral research, “The Power of Play: How Children’s Museums Affect School Readiness” was the topic of their presentation. Spartanburg’s Pop-Up Classroom Program, launched in 2022, was the inspiration. This nine week program was developed and piloted at TCMU Spartanburg. Preschoolers experience the regular structure and activities of a normal school day. Children learn to work in groups, raise hands, and take turns. Pop-Up Classrooms are based on local and state assessments. High quality, stimulating interactions help children prepare to enter school.
According to South Carolina DHEC fifty five percent of three to four year olds are not enrolled in any preschool program. Only twenty seven percent of South Carolina public school kindergarten students enter the school year with sufficient skills and abilities to succeed. Through play-based learning, TCMU has improved school readiness for upstate children.
Just another thing to add to the long list of reasons we’re so proud of our friends at the museum.
If your household includes a three or four year old, you don’t want to miss “Countdown to Kindergarten.” Make your way to TCMU Spartanburg August 4th, from 5 – 7pm. One of the special community partners, South Carolina Autism Society, will provide a “Chill-Out Zone” for anyone who may need a break from the excitement. This event is free but everyone is asked to RSVP on the website here.
There’s always something new and exciting at the (now) “World Famous” Children’s Museum of the Upstate!
Read more from our editor Andrea Beam here.