Celebrate National March Into Literacy Month with CMOR

March is National Literacy Month and the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMOR) is one of the best places in Richmond to celebrate reading with your kids. CMOR has 4 different locations that families and educators to enjoy together: Center, Shortpump, Chesterfield, and Fredericksburg

Visit the Children's Museum of Richmond, VA.

[notification type=”notification_info” ]My family received complimentary entry to the Children’s Museum of Richmond to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed here are my own. [/notification]

Cool Facts about CMOR

In fact, it’s the 8th most visited Children’s Museum in the U.S.A. The museum educates and entertains over 200 visitors each day. There are over 22 exhibits for  kids to explore.

Area designated for small tots at the Children's Museum of Richmond (Central location).
It’s great that there is an area designated for small tots at the Children’s Museum of Richmond (Central site). Parents can take their little ones to the little farm so they can play with age-appropriate toys.

 

Area designated for water play at the Children's Museum of Richmond (Central location).
There is also an area designated for water play at the Children’s Museum of Richmond (Central site).

 

CMOR Visit Richmond the Bank Exhibit
Union sponsored an exhibit to give children a taste of financial literacy. Pictured is the interactive clock outside the Bank Exhibit

The Best Way To Stay Informed About Events At CMOR

The children’s museum has a facebook page that is updated regularly and shows the latest information regarding their calendar. 

The Most Unusual But Incredible Part of the Museum

The best part of the museum is the commitment it has to families and children within the Richmond community. Their emphasis on literacy is commendable. In fact, children are encouraged not only to read books while on site, but they can even take one book home per visit for free!

 

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After visiting the museum, I was curious why literacy plays such a pivotal role at the museum. After some research, I found out based on the results from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), the nationwide study on adult literacy shows . . . “30 million, or 14 percent, of all adults are at Level One, which is below basic literacy. In fact, The Stephen Reder Synthetic Estimates (1996) showed that more than 2 million Virginians over the age of 16 read at the lowest levels of literacy” (Gerkens Sanborn and Major 16).

I believe whole-heartedly that reading is the gateway out of poverty. So I appreciate the push for CMOR to encourage literacy and give special programs to Title One schools in the Richmond community.

 

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The museum highlights the creativity and imagination of their employees. For instance, many of the exhibits have unique paintings completed by their talented staff members.

Our Incredible Experience

The Carmax Service Station exhibit was one of my daughter’s favorite. They loved pretending to be a mechanic. 

Children's Museum Of Richmond Visit Richmond the Carmax Service Station Exhibit
Children’s Museum Of Richmond Visit Richmond the Carmax Service Station Exhibit

My Kids Favorite Exhibit

According to my daughter, the treehouse was her favorite exhibit, because you could see all of the exhibits at once. The treehouse is also one of the museum’s tallest exhibits and has tools where kids can talk to each other while exploring the treehouse.

CMOR Visit Richmond inside the treehouse Exhibit
Inside the treehouse Exhibit

The Silver Diner was like a blast in the past so kids and adults can enjoy it alike. While my kids played as waiters, chefs, and restaurant owners, I jammed to the oldies that came across the screen. The attention to detail in this exhibit was phenomenal.

CMOR Visit Richmond the Silver Diner Exhibit
The silver diner gives kids a chance to imagine that are in charge of a restaurant.

 

CMOR Visit Richmond the Silver Diner Exhibit is decorated just like their restaurants.
CMOR Visit Richmond the Silver Diner Exhibit is decorated just like their restaurants.

 

This is the first time I’ve seen a cave exhibit that mimics a real live cave experience. The cave had stalagmites and stalactites, it was dim, cold, and thankfully, not damp.

CMOR Visit Richmond the Cave Exhibit is fascinating. It gives kids a similar experience to what it's like to be inside a real cave.
CMOR Visit Richmond the Cave Exhibit is fascinating. It gives kids a similar experience to what it’s like to be inside a real cave.

Overall, the museum is an amazing hands-on learning experience. Without hesitation, I would definitely, visit CMOR again in the future. It’s reassuring that parents and educators can bring their children to CMOR and gain so many valuable experiences. I was honored that Lindsey Hale, Education Coordinator, of the museum was willing to give me a tour. When I asked her what she liked most about CMOR she responded, ” Our field trips have a huge impact on the community. the field trips widen our reach because kids can explore their interests in everyday settings.”  I agree with Lindsey 100%, so if you’re ever in the Richmond area definitely stop by 2626 West Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220.

 

References:

Gerkens Sanborn, Victoire and Hillary D. Major. Virginia’S Not-So-Hidden Secret: THE ADULT LITERACY CRISIS. 1st ed. Virginia: Virginia Issues & Answers, 2017. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

 

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