International Museum Day | EYFS & KS1 Activity Ideas

**Note: This page is for educational inspiration and is not officially affiliated with International Museum Day. International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated annually on May 18th. It was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977 to raise awareness about the important role museums play in the development of society. The day highlights how museums are vital institutions that preserve culture, educate, inspire, and foster understanding across communities and cultures. Each year, ICOM sets a specific theme for IMD, focusing on a different aspect of museum work and its contribution to society. For official information, themes, and how to get involved, please visit the International Council of Museums (ICOM) website: www.icom.museum/en/international-museum-day-2

Understanding International Museum Day in EYFS & KS1

Let's explore, discover, and learn amazing things, just like in a museum! 🏛️🔎

For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides a fantastic and engaging theme for exploring history, science, art, culture, discovery, role-play, and understanding the world (the world around us). It's about sparking children's curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and teaching them how to be curious explorers and learners. This day offers wonderful planning ideas and inspiration for engaging activities that truly resonate with young minds, making learning about history, science, and culture both exciting and hands-on!

Why Is Learning About Museums Important for Young Children?

Integrating International Museum Day and themes of discovery and history into your practice with young children (aged 0-7) can help develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning about the world.

• Sparks Curiosity: Encourages children to ask "why?" and "how?" about objects and events.

• Introduces History & Science: Provides age-appropriate exposure to concepts of the past, different cultures, natural history, and inventions.

• Develops Observation Skills: Encourages children to look closely at details and make connections.

• Enhances Vocabulary: Introduces new words related to specific topics (e.g., dinosaurs, inventions, historical figures).

• Fosters Imagination & Role-Play: Provides opportunities for children to imagine themselves as explorers, scientists, or curators.

• Promotes Respect for Heritage: Teaches children about the importance of preserving objects and stories from the past.

Engaging Museum & Discovery Activities for International Museum Day (EYFS & KS1)

Let's open our own pretend museum and make some amazing discoveries for International Museum Day with these planning ideas and activities perfect for EYFS and KS1 children. The focus is on exploration, learning, and celebrating all the wonderful things we can find out! Many of these early years and year 1 activities can be supported by our dedicated 'Dinosaurs' and 'History' resources.

Here's some inspiration for celebrating International Museum Day in your setting: (Please use your own discretion and knowledge of your children to ensure appropriateness of each activity and safety concerning any materials given and activity undertaken.)

• Creating Our Own Museum:

  • Set up a 'Dinosaur Museum Dramatic Role Play Pack'. Children can pretend to be museum curators, visitors, or even palaeontologists!

  • Use the 'Dinosaur Museum Trip Pack' to simulate a real museum visit, complete with tickets, maps, and information.

  • Encourage children to bring in their own "treasures" from home (e.g., interesting stones, old toys, family photos) to create a class museum display. Provide labels using the 'Dinosaur Word Mat' or 'Dinosaur Word Cards' (for both cartoon and realistic styles) as inspiration.

• Discovering Dinosaurs:

  • Dive into the world of dinosaurs! Use the 'Dinosaurs' Display Banner' (cartoon or realistic) to set the scene.

  • Engage with various dinosaur-themed activities:

    • Maths & Logic: 'Dinosaurs - Dice Game', 'Dinosaur Maths Challenge Cards - Cartoon', 'Dinosaur Counting Puzzles 1-10', 'Feed The Dinosaurs Dice Game - Odd/Even & Carnivore/Herbivore', 'Dinosaur Number Slice Puzzle Pictures'.

    • Literacy & Phonics: 'Dinosaur Alphabet Cards' (and colouring versions), 'Dinosaur Sounds - Phase 1 Phonics Activity', 'Dinosaur Sounds Mat - Phase 1 Phonics', 'Dinosaur Bone CVC Word Builder Game'.

    • Creative & Fine Motor: 'Dinosaur Lollipop Puppets - Cartoon', 'Dinosaur Colouring' (cartoon and realistic), 'Designing Dinosaurs', 'Dinosaur Pattern Match Puzzles', 'Dinosaur Silhouette Match Cards', 'Dinosaur Nest Playdough Counting/Number Mats'.

    • Knowledge & Observation: 'Dinosaur Fact Posters', 'Dinosaur Tally Chart/Check List', 'Dinosaur Pictogram Chart'.

• Exploring Inventions:

  • Discuss how everyday objects were invented. Use 'Inventions 2-Piece Puzzles' and 'Inventions Old And New Puzzles' to compare old and new technologies.

  • Display 'Invention Posters' and encourage children to imagine their own inventions and 'Inventions Colouring' sheets.

• Learning from History (People & Events):

  • Introduce children to significant historical figures that might be featured in a museum, using our 'Black History Month' resources like 'Black Historical Figures - A4 Description Posters' and 'Black Historical Figures - Info Cards'. Focus on specific individuals such as 'Mary Seacole - Draw And Write Sheets'.

  • Discuss historical events, like Remembrance Day, using 'Poppy Poppy' Poem Pack'. This shows how museums preserve memories.

  • Explore aspects of older times with 'Shakespeare' resources like 'History - Shakespeare - William Shakespeare Masks' or 'History - Shakespeare - Quill Counting Puzzle'.

• Explore More: You may like to explore additional pages covering relevant and/or connected themes such as ‘Dinosaurs’ and ‘History’.

These activities offer great inspiration for making International Museum Day a memorable and impactful experience in your early years and Key Stage One setting, fostering curiosity, a love for learning about the past and present, scientific inquiry, and an appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history and the natural world.

To explore ideas surrounding additional early years events, please visit our 'Special Dates Calendar' page.

Printable resources to support teaching & learning surrounding: ‘International Museum Day’

Additional Pages you may like to explore which cover relevant &/or Connected themes

More Early Years Event Pages for May

Explore special dates (including awareness dates, festivals, celebrations & events) relevant to your EYFS & KS1 children

Browse our ‘Special Dates Calendar’ page using the link below. You’ll find calendars for every month of the year to aid your planning!

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Disclaimer:
This page is for educational purposes only and is intended to support early years and primary practitioners with ideas and resources related to 'International Museum Day'. We are not officially affiliated with or endorsed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), which established this event. We do not claim any rights to specific trademarks or official materials associated with this event. For official information, themes, and how to get involved, please visit the International Council of Museums (ICOM) website: https://icom.museum/our-actions/international-museum-day/.