At Port Discovery, we believe literacy is much more than sounding out words on a page. Literacy is found in the back-and-forth chatter between caregivers and children. It’s in the rhythm of a clapped-out beat, the lyrics of a favorite song, the silly voices during story time, and the determined “let me try again” when a word feels tricky. At the museum, literacy is active. It’s playful. It’s full of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance.
You can see this playful approach woven throughout the museum, starting in our SKIES exhibit on the 3rd floor. We’ve carefully selected books that center social-emotional learning, identifying feelings, practicing kindness, and building empathy. In SKIES, literacy feels cozy. Curl up in a nook with your little one. Take turns “reading” the pictures. Make up a silly new ending. Pause to talk about how a character feels and why. These small conversations are powerful. They help children build vocabulary, emotional awareness, and connection all at once.
Looking for something a little more structured? Join us for Discovery Tales, our interactive story time led by our Learning staff. Families gather to enjoy thoughtfully curated books paired with hands-on activities that bring the stories to life. We might act out a scene, explore new vocabulary through movement, or create something inspired by the book. It’s story time, but bigger, wigglier, and wonderfully immersive.
Want to think outside the box? Keep an eye out for our Hip-Hop Fundamentals program! In this high-energy experience, children (and grown-ups!) can write and perform their very own rap with support from our staff. We play with rhyme, rhythm, storytelling, and self-expression. When a child steps up to the mic to share their words, that’s literacy in action.
And yes, we absolutely love a good book. We are intentional about the stories we share, choosing books that reflect diverse voices, spark meaningful conversations, and help every child see themselves as readers and storytellers. If you’re looking to extend your Port Discovery experience at home, here are a few favorites:
Black History & Culture:
A Girl in a Museum World by Tellie Simpson
Let It Shine: A Celebration of You by Carole Boston Weatherford
Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi
Selections from SKIES, our calming sensory exhibit:
Here We Are: Notes from Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
Listening With My Heart by Gabi Garcia
We celebrate literacy in all its forms: spoken, sung, written, whispered, rapped, and imagined. At Port Discovery, every playful moment is building the skills children need to read the world around them.