Play Together, Learn Forever

In October 2020, Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) collaborated with The Education Equity COVID-19 Response Fund, Chicago Public Library (CPL), and the Library Foundation’s Family Partnerships Initiative to create The Play Together, Learn Forever (PTLF) program  in response to the closure of our museum and thousands of students stuck at home without access to schools, museums, and educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the unprecedented shutdown, play became more critical for children to exercise control, explore their thoughts and feelings, activate their muscles, engage their minds, relieve stress, and find joy. Each kit was comprised of 6 written activity plans called Recipes for Play and was accompanied by recommended book lists and online resources compiled by CPL. Every kit included the materials needed to do each hands-on activity to encourage creative and constructive exploration by children and families.

The kits, jointly developed by CCM and CPL, were designed to provide alternative play opportunities for children and families who had to cope with the social distancing requirements and created ways to spend recreational time together at home.  Nearly 10,000 PTLF play fits were distributed for families across Chicago.

For any inquiries regarding Play Together, Learn Forever (PTLF) program please contact our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Amy Spar, at amys@chicagochildrensmuseum.org