What if there were tools that helped democratize communication? Helped us process the elephant in the room that keeps relationships strained? And helps those who have done harm be held accountable as allow whole communities to be heard, learn from harm, and be supported in meaningful ways in our institutions? Those tools exist, they work, and they are called restorative practices.

Participants will focus on why restorative practices are a useful and effective framework for communication, behavior, and discipline; dispel myths about restorative practices, will learn about the continuum of restorative practices and will learn how to use affective statements and restorative chats.

We cover the core concepts and practice so that you will emerge with a clear understanding of what restorative practices are (and are not), skills associated with the various steps of the restorative continuum, how they can be implemented in a number of settings, and participants will be given an opportunity to practice some of the techniques. Most of the discussion tends to be based around restorative work in school environments but practitioners from all environments (and ages) are welcome.

Far beyond the stars in a land far away, visitors are encouraged to live long and prosper. The crew of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis invites you to boldly go where many people have gone before on TV and in movies, but few have experienced in person.

Fans will be thrilled to hear the real voice of actor George Takei, aka Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The pop culture icon will narrate an exciting, new sound and light show specifically for The Children’s Museum’s Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater. Opening in conjunction with Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds, the Space Object Theater transforms into a new multimedia experience exploring how popular science fiction has predicted and helped shape scientific and technological advancements. Featured in the center of the Space Object Theater on a revolving and raising platform will be the real escape pod used by Captain Kirk in the 2016 film Star Trek: Beyond.

12/21
Book Bingo Winter Reading Program
Infants through children in elementary school
Program begins December 21 and ends March 11.

If the weather outside is frightful, then stay inside for some delightful literacy-building activities and reading! Beginning December 21, stop by the Children’s Desk to register and pick up your Bingo card. For each Bingo you complete (up to three Bingos), you may select a prize. If you complete the entire Bingo card, you’ll receive a free book. Registration is required and begins Friday, December 21. All prizes must be claimed by March 11, which is when the Winter Reading Program ends.

Celebrate the Indianapolis Colts while exploring football’s role in American culture through digital interactive activities, player interviews, original artifacts, photographs and video of the Colts in action.

Discover how American football grew out of the rugby fields of English academies into the modern game loved by millions through sweeping changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Witness the Hoosier Dome and Lucas Oil Stadium’s rise into the Indianapolis skyline to redefine the city’s image as a championship football town. Snap a picture with your favorite Colts player and learn about their views on football, leadership and the NFL. Cast your vote for the best Colts player or the most memorable game moment and see how your choice compares to other fans. See the game through the eyes of officials by making a call on a real NFL play and find out if your decision matches the actual call. Relive the glory of the 2007 season and how the players and the coaches made it all possible. Scramble on the field as the Colt’s mascot Blue to juke and dodge oncoming tackles using your whole body. Explore the rise of the NFL and how it became the multibillion dollar juggernaut it is today. But most of all, connect with the story of the Colts and how they became a team that embodies the values, drive and heart of the city they call home.