All the Way to K is CMOM’s early childhood learning framework, designed to help children develop key skills for kindergarten readiness through play. Created in collaboration with educators and researchers, this resource provides families and teachers with hands-on activities and strategies to support early learning in fun, engaging ways.
Research & Resources
At CMOM, we believe learning happens everywhere — in classrooms, at home, and through everyday moments of play. Our Resource Library brings together carefully curated curriculum guides, research-based tools, and expert insights to support anyone nurturing a child’s growth and development. Whether you’re an educator, student, or caregiver, you’ll find practical ideas and inspiration to enhance learning and spark curiosity.
Parent and Caregiver Guidance and Support
When difficult events happen in the world, it can be hard to know how to talk about them with children. That’s why we’ve gathered expert resources to help guide and support you in having thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations during challenging times.
Check out the following resource for support:
Talking to Kids About Difficult Current Events (Nickelodeon)
Check out the following resource for support:
Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event (Child Mind Institute)
Check out the following resources for support:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events (The American Academy of Pediatrics)
Check out the following resources for support:
Talking About Race (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
Talking to Children About Racial Bias (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Resources for standing together against hate (Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center)
Research and Publications
CMOM collaborates with leading academic, research, community-based, and government organizations to translate the latest findings on child development into exhibits, programming, and resources that captivate, educate, and engage children and families. While our research work starts at the museum, it extends into schools, libraries, homeless shelters, and Head Start centers throughout New York City, ensuring all children have access to the benefits of play-based learning.
What makes CMOM unique is that everything we create—our exhibits, programs, and outreach—is rooted in research. Our team works closely with experts in early childhood development, education, and health to design experiences that are more than just fun—they actively support cognitive, social, and emotional growth in young children. Whether at the museum or in the community, every CMOM experience is built to inspire learning through play, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have the foundation they need to thrive.
To find out more about what we’ve discovered and how it informs our work, check out What We’ve Learned.
- Violet Hott, Adrienne Testa and Leslie Bushara. 2024 “Invisible Victims: How Children’s Museums Are Strengthening Families Through Partnerships With Correctional Facilities.” Curator: The Museum Journal 00(0): 1–19.
New York University Research:
- Rhodes, Marjorie, and Leslie Bushara. “Learning about Science and Self: A Partnership Between the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Psychology Department at New York University.” In Cognitive Development in Museum Settings: Related Research and Practice, edited by David M. Sobel and Jennifer L. Jipson, 104-19. New York: Routledge, 2016.
- Rhodes, Marjorie, and Lisa Chalik. “Social Categories as Markers of Intrinsic Interpersonal Obligations.” Psychological Science Vol. 24, No. 6 (June 7, 2013): 999-1006. Published online before the print April 23, 2013.
- Rhodes, Marjorie. “Naive Theories of Social Groups.” Child Development, November/December 2012, vol. 83, no. 6 (2012): 1900-916.
- Rhodes, Marjorie, Sarah-Jane Leslie, and Christina M. Tworek. “Cultural Transmission of Social Essentialism.” PNAS, Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Vol. 109, no. No. 34 (August 21, 2012): 13526-3531.
Barnard Research:
- Thompson, Michaela, Koleen McCrink, and Leslie Bushara. How Children’s Museums Can Facilitate the Study of Child Development: A Case Study of PlayWorks™ at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Barnard College, Columbia University and Children’s Museum of Manhattan (Unpublished Manuscript). 2014.
All the Way to K and Beyond:
- All the Way to K and Beyond Evaluation Summary by Palmer-Wolf
- All the Way to K and Beyond Evaluation Full Report by Palmer-Wolf
EatPlayGrow Website & Professional Development:
- EatPlayGrow™ Evaluation: Summary by BLiP Research
- EatPlayGrow™ Evaluation: Full Findings by BLiP Research
- EatPlayGrow™ Evaluation: Synthesis by BLiP Research
- Executive Summary: Professional Development Pilot with NYC Administration Children’s Services, by BLiP Research
- Report: Professional Development Pilot with NYC Administration Children’s Services, by BLiP Research
Pilots: Programs, Professional Development & Curriculum:
- EatSleepPlay Pilot Program Evaluation Findings by Michael Cohen Group
- Healthy Eating for A Healthy Start with United Way of New York City and Administration for Children’s Services: Year 2
- CMOM & CUNY Play is Learning Summary Evaluation by Michael Cohen Group
- Healthy Eating for A Healthy Start with United Way of New York City and Administration for Children’s Services: Year 1
Check Out Our Initiatives
Explore trusted, research-backed resources for educators, caregivers, and curious minds.
Superpowered Metropolis™: Brain Building Hub
Inspired by CMOM’s award-winning exhibit, the Superpowered Metropolis™ Brain Building Hub provides research-backed activities, curriculum, and worksheets to help children build social-emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence. Whether in the classroom or at home, these tools support early childhood development in a creative, hands-on way.
Eat Play Grow™
Originally a CMOM exhibition, EatPlayGrow™ was developed with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to teach young children about nutrition, movement, and wellness through play. While the exhibit is no longer on view, families and educators can still access its engaging curriculum, videos, and hands-on activities to help build lifelong healthy habits.
CMOM at Home & Parenting in Place
Created as a digital resource during COVID-19, CMOM at Home continues to offer engaging activities, expert parenting insights, and creative ways to bring hands-on learning into daily routines. From interactive storytelling to sensory play and STEAM-based projects, these resources help children develop critical skills while having fun.
Parenting in Place, part of CMOM at Home, provides expert-backed guidance to help families navigate parenting in an ever-changing world. Explore videos, activity guides, and research-based strategies to support your child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth.