Wonderseum, a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool program nestled within The Woodlands Children’s Museum, is excited to announce that registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Designed exclusively for four-year-olds, Wonderseum offers a unique and enriching learning experience that seamlessly blends structured pre-kindergarten curriculum with the boundless exploration opportunities of a dynamic children’s museum.
The Wonderseum program is now in its 4th year, and provides a distinctive educational approach, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy. With a class size that does not exceed 12 students, this child-centered approach emphasizes the use of natural materials such as clay and paper and encourages active participation in shaping learning experiences. Wonderseum fosters a profound affinity for learning through collaborative projects and open-ended “provocations,” empowering children to confidently pursue their intellectual curiosities. These daily provocations, collections of natural objects arranged to stimulate imaginative storytelling, serve as catalysts for exploration. Educators document each child’s narrative interpretation through a combination of photographic and written records, providing insight into their unique perspectives.
Wonderseum’s curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to weave together core pre-kindergarten competencies with avenues for students to explore their individual interests and passions.
“Art, positioned as a vital instrument for understanding both the process and product of creation, forms the foundation of the program,” stated Educational Coordinator Elle Schwabe. “Materials are strategically incorporated into the classroom atelier, transforming the space into a dynamic workshop space that inspires the progression of their artistic skills and conceptual development.”
The curriculum guides students through a variety of artistic mediums and techniques. Students actively participate in the process and journey of creating their own projects. During this year’s exploration of paper, a student expressed interest in the planetary system resulting in a collective classroom interest in space. This interest then prompted the creation of a paper mâché solar system, which is proudly hung in the room.
Wonderseum teacher, Michelle Morales, states that one of her favorite yearly projects is one that asks children to use permanent markers and watercolors to capture their self portrait. This is done in the beginning of the year and again at the end of the year providing a comparative record of cognitive and artistic progression.
What truly sets Wonderseum apart is its access to The Woodlands Children’s Museum’s diverse exhibits. Beyond their dedicated classroom, children engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, from participating in dynamic floor programs like Shadow Puppet Theatre to creating art projects in The Muse Art Bar. This rich and stimulating environment fosters creativity and a lifelong appreciation for learning.
“We are thrilled to open registration for the 2025-2026 school year,” stated Angela Colton, the museum’s Executive Director. “Wonderseum provides an unparalleled preschool experience, allowing children to discover through play in a truly unique setting. We believe in nurturing curiosity and fostering a lifelong love of learning, and Wonderseum provides this unique environment for children to embark on this exciting journey.”
Wonderseum’s three-day program meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday Aug 20, 2025 – May 15, 2026, 9am-2pm and the two-day program meets Tuesday and Thursday Aug 21, 2025 – May 15, 2026 9am-2pm.
To book your private tour and learn more about Wonderseum, please contact our Education Coordinator, Elle Schwabe, at 281-465-0955 or email eschwabe@woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.
Click to register or learn more.