A group of fifth graders from the John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in Deer Park learned two valuable lessons recently. The first …learning is fun; the second, play is a critical component of learning. These important lessons were learned during a recent school trip to the Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM).

The children, along with their teacher’s Ms. Guzzone & Ms. Lange explored three of the museum’s twelve interactive learning galleries during their February 2nd visit to LICM. With the help of one of the

LICM educator’s the students learned about patterns and how they present themselves in their everyday environment.

The Deer Park students participated in the Patterns,

Patterns,

Everywhere program

that offered stops in the Bricks & Sticks and Music galleries along with an interactive theater program. One student said his favorite part was the Bricks and Sticks gallery because “I liked to use my own hands to build something with the bricks.” Another

student remarked that she enjoyed the Music gallery

I’ve always liked music so this gave me a chance to make my own.” A number of students said their favorite part was the LICM Theater because they liked being up on stage acting.

The students and teachers are eager to make a return visit to the museum with their families so that they can serve as museum guides for them. Long Island Children’s Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm during the school year and Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. TO 5 p.m. during June and July. In addition to the 12 exhibit galleries, LICM boasts a state-of-the art theater offering live performances and films for family entertainment. School groups visiting LICM may choose from a variety of programs developed by the museum’s educational staff. Class visits to LICM may be arranged by contacting the museum at (516) 224-5869.

Shown in the top photo: John F. Kennedy Intermediate School students learn about patterns in Music during their trip to Long Island Children’s Museum.

Shown in the middle photo: S tudents from the John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in Deer Park put their pattern skills to work in the Bricks & Sticks exhibit at the Long Island Children’s Museum.

Shown in the bottom photo Fifth graders from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School enjoyed acting in the Interactive Theater at the Long Island Children’s Museum.