Our collective hearts at Thinkery are broken as we continue to process the tragic mass shootings targeting our fellow citizens shopping in Buffalo, New York, worshipping in Laguna Woods, California, and going to school, right here in our home state in Uvalde. If the weight of trying to understand and carry on is heavy for adults, imagine what it must feel like for our children. Providing safe and joyful learning experiences for ALL children drives everything we do at Thinkery. We believe these moments of exploration are needed now more than ever. We recognize that to be in a place to welcome play, children need time to process emotionally difficult and traumatic moments.
Here are a few resources from peer institutions and leaders in the early childhood education ecosystem that may be helpful as you navigate these feelings with your children:
Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC): A professional membership organization with a vision of increased understanding of—and engagement with—science and technology among all people and a mission to champion and support science and technology centers and museums.
Association of Children’s Museums (ACM): The world’s foremost professional society supporting and advocating on behalf of children’s museums, and those who work at and otherwise sustain them. We leverage the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination.
Child Mind Institute: A nonprofit leading in children’s mental health; dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive.
Austin PBS: A community-supported, locally-owned PBS station recognized as a valuable partner and a trusted storyteller. Austin PBS serves the community in the areas of education, arts & culture, and news & public affairs.
Sesame Street in Communities: A collection of free, bilingual resources from your friends on Sesame Street that are designed to help young ones ages 2-5 and their families during important life moments.
The Doseum: A children’s museum located in San Antonio where interactive fun and hands-on learning come together; committed to connecting family and transforming communities.