X4.002: Tippecanoe Children’s Museum – Deepening Engagement through a Cross-Region Virtual Event

Dates: December 9–15, 2024 (Monday to Sunday)
Location: Tippecanoe Children’s Museum (remote access available)
Theme: “Bridging Hearts and Hands: A Virtual Journey from Tippecanoe to Southern France”
Objective: Host a virtual networking and cultural exchange event connecting children, families, and museum patrons from both regions, fostering empathy, and supporting childhood education.

Points-Based Engagement System

Overview:
Participants can earn points by contributing to different activities during the event. Points will accumulate and “convert” into support for children in need. Each leaf card or creative idea earns points that symbolize “contributions” to those needing help in Tippecanoe and Southern France.

Earning Points:

• 1 Leaf Card Shared: 10 Points
• Participation in Workshop: 5 Points
• Creative Ideas Submitted: 15 Points

At the end of the event, children can see their accumulated points and learn how these have helped provide educational resources.

Event Agenda and Scripts

Welcome and Introduction

• Host Script (Director of Tippecanoe Children’s Museum):
  “Hello everyone! Welcome to ‘Bridging Hearts and Hands,’ a virtual event where we’re connecting with our friends across the ocean in Southern France. Today, you’re not just learning and creating art—you’re also giving back to other children in a special way. Every leaf card and idea you share will earn points, and together, these points will help children in need both here and in France.”

Alternative Script B:
“It’s wonderful to see so many of you here! Today, we’re embarking on a creative journey that spans thousands of miles. Not only will we make new friends and share our culture, but we’ll also earn points that will contribute to the well-being of other children. Let’s get started!”

Activity 1: Leaf Card Exchange & Storytelling (25 minutes)

1. Introduction:
   “Leaf cards are a symbol of our cultures, full of stories, colors, and meaning. In Tippecanoe, we use them to share memories and to celebrate nature. In Southern France, they are also treasured as keepsakes that carry messages. Today, you’ll get to hear stories inspired by these cards.”
2. Storytelling Script:
   “Our first storyteller is [Name], sharing a story from Tippecanoe, about the importance of friendship and community. As you listen, think about how you’d tell your own story with a leaf card.”
3. Invitation for Participation:
   “We’d love to see your own leaf cards! Take a picture or share your card digitally. Each card you share earns 10 points. And remember, these points will help other kids get the learning materials they need.”

Alternative Script B:
“Imagine if your card could travel across the ocean! Share your leaf card, and let’s fill this virtual space with stories and art that connect us all.”

Activity 2: Interactive Workshop – Design Your Own Leaf Card (20 minutes)

• Instructions for Workshop:
  “Now it’s your turn to create! Use whatever materials you have, whether it’s paper, markers, or leaves from outside. If you have a leaf card kit, feel free to use that. Once you’re done, show us your card to earn points!”
• Host Encouragement:
  “Each of you has a unique story to tell, and every card adds a special touch to this event. The points you earn today symbolize our commitment to helping others. Imagine your points as a gift to another child who might not have the same resources.”

Alternative Instruction B:
“Think about what makes you proud of your home, your friends, or your family. Use those ideas to create a card that shares a bit of your world with others.”

Activity 3: Video Connection with Southern France (20 minutes)

• Introduction to Video Call:
  “We’re so excited to connect with our friends in Southern France! They’re joining us from [location], and they’ve also been creating leaf cards. Let’s hear about their experience and share our creations.”
• Engagement Questions for Children:
  • “What do you want to ask our friends in France?”
  • “What are you most excited to share with them about your leaf card?”

Alternative Interactive Questions B:

• “If you could send a message to a friend across the world, what would it be?”
• “How do you think your leaf card would look on display in another country?”

Fundraising through Points: Give Back with Every Card

1. Explanation of Points System:
   “For every leaf card and creative idea you share, you’ll earn points. These points will be collected and converted to help provide books, educational tools, and support for children who need it in Tippecanoe and Southern France.”
2. Encouragement Script:
   “Think of your points as small gifts to other kids. You’re helping them learn, grow, and enjoy resources that might not be as easily accessible for them. Every point counts, so let’s see how many we can collect together!”

Closing Remarks and Thank-You

• Final Message:
  “Thank you all for joining and for every point you’ve earned today. Together, we’ve created something beautiful that stretches across oceans. Keep your leaf cards, remember this moment, and let’s continue helping each other. Your points today have made a real difference!”

Sample Email Invitation:

Subject: Join Us for a Virtual Event Connecting Tippecanoe and Southern France!

Dear [Name],

We’re excited to invite you to a unique virtual event, “Bridging Hearts and Hands: A Virtual Journey from Tippecanoe to Southern France,” hosted by the Tippecanoe Children’s Museum.

Together with our friends across the ocean, we’ll share stories, create art, and earn points that will help children in need both here and in France. Join us for a creative and meaningful event that connects communities and fosters friendships!

When: December 9–15, 2024
Where: Tippecanoe Children’s Museum (virtual link provided upon registration)
Why Participate?

• Share Your Story: Design a leaf card and connect with families from Southern France.
• Make an Impact: Every point you earn today will help provide educational resources to children in need.

Register today and let’s create something magical together!

Warmly,
The Tippecanoe Children’s Museum Team

Follow-Up Points Conversion Plan Script

Objective:
To help children and families understand how the points they earned through their creative activities contribute to real-world change, fostering a sense of accomplishment, community, and kindness.

Scripted Follow-Up Session: Celebrating Our Impact Together

1. Setting the Scene: Excitement and Anticipation

Host:
“Thank you all for an incredible event! Over the past week, you’ve shared your stories, created beautiful leaf cards, and made new friends across the world in Southern France. But beyond that, you’ve done something truly amazing—you’ve helped make a real impact for children who need it the most!”

Pause for excitement; display a slide with the title: “Our Impact: Turning Points into Smiles!”

2. Announcing Total Points Earned

Host:
“Let’s take a look at what we accomplished together. Each card, story, and creative idea earned points, which we’ve been tallying up behind the scenes. Are you ready to hear the total points you’ve earned?”

Pause, build anticipation, and then reveal the total on a screen (e.g., “5,000 Points!”)

Host (excited):
“Together, you all earned 5,000 points! That’s an incredible achievement!”

3. Explaining Points Conversion: Turning Points into Impact

Host:
“Now, here’s the really cool part. Those points are more than just numbers—they’re actually going to help other children. Every 100 points you earned today translates to a real-world gift for a child in need, such as a new book, an educational tool, or a creative kit just like the ones we used today!”

Display a slide with a breakdown of the points-to-impact conversion:

Points-to-Impact Conversion Breakdown

Points Earned	Impact Equivalent
100 Points	1 Book
250 Points	1 Educational Game or Puzzle
500 Points	1 Art Kit
1,000 Points	1 Set of Learning Cards
5,000 Points	10 Books, 5 Art Kits, 3 Educational Games

Host:
“With the 5,000 points we earned today, here’s what we’ll be able to provide to other children:”

• 10 Books that will introduce kids to new worlds and spark their imaginations.
• 5 Art Kits that will let them create, dream, and express themselves.
• 3 Educational Games to help them learn and grow through play.

Display each item with a visual representation on the screen, making it easy for kids to understand the impact.

4. Celebrating Together: The Impact We’ve Made

Host:
“Look at all that you’ve achieved! Thanks to your creativity and kindness, kids who may not have had access to these resources will now have books to read, games to play, and art kits to create with. You’ve truly made a difference.”

Cue a virtual round of applause, cheers, or celebratory music.

5. Reflecting on the Journey and Encouraging Future Involvement

Host:
“This isn’t just a one-time event. Today, you showed that a small act, like creating a leaf card, can add up to something truly powerful when we work together. Let’s keep this spirit going! You’re always welcome to create more, share more, and make more points in the future. Every little bit helps.”

Optional: Announce a follow-up event or additional ways to participate.

Sample Communication Email (Post-Event Wrap-Up)

Subject: You Did It! Here’s How Your Creativity Made an Impact 🎉

Dear [Participant’s Name],

Thank you for joining us at the Bridging Hearts and Hands event! Over the week, you created art, shared stories, and most importantly, made a difference.

Together, we earned 5,000 points! Here’s how those points are being used to help children in need:

• 10 New Books for kids to read and explore.
• 5 Art Kits to inspire creativity.
• 3 Educational Games to help with learning through play.

Your kindness and creativity have made this possible. We’re so proud of what we accomplished together, and we hope you feel proud, too!

If you’d like to keep contributing, we’re excited to let you know about our next event. Stay tuned for details, and let’s keep making a difference!

With gratitude,
The Tippecanoe Children’s Museum Team

ATTACHMENT

Group 1: Tippecanoe Local Museums (Toddler & Family-Friendly)

1. Tippecanoe County Historical Association (Children’s Exhibits Section)
   • Address: 909 South Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
   • Contact Email: info@tippecanoehistory.org
   • Main Features: Interactive exhibits on local history, seasonal programs for young children.
   • Phone Number: (765) 476-8411
2. Imagination Station
   • Address: 600 N 4th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
   • Contact Email: info@imagination-station.org
   • Main Features: Hands-on science and art exhibits, with a special toddler area.
   • Phone Number: (765) 420-7780
3. Columbian Park Zoo (Interactive Kids Section)
   • Address: 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904
   • Contact Email: zoo@lafayette.in.gov
   • Main Features: Small zoo with play areas, animal interactions, and special toddler programs.
   • Phone Number: (765) 807-1540
4. Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
   • Address: 102 S 10th St, Lafayette, IN 47905
   • Contact Email: info@artlafayette.org
   • Main Features: Art workshops for children, exhibitions with family-friendly tours.
   • Phone Number: (765) 742-1128

Group 2: Montpellier Local Museums (Toddler & Family-Friendly)

1. Musée Fabre
   • Address: 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, 34000 Montpellier, France
   • Contact Email: museefabre@montpellier3m.fr
   • Main Features: Art workshops for families, interactive exhibits, and activities for young children.
   • Phone Number: +33 4 67 14 83 00
2. Planet Ocean Montpellier
   • Address: Allée Ulysse, Odysseum, 34000 Montpellier, France
   • Contact Email: info@planetoceanworld.fr
   • Main Features: Aquarium and planetarium with engaging, educational activities for kids.
   • Phone Number: +33 4 67 13 05 50
3. La Serre Amazonienne (Amazonian Greenhouse at Montpellier Zoo)
   • Address: 50 Avenue Agropolis, 34090 Montpellier, France
   • Contact Email: zoo@montpellier.fr
   • Main Features: Unique indoor rainforest experience with an educational focus for children.
   • Phone Number: +33 4 67 54 45 23
4. Musée de l’Histoire de Montpellier
   • Address: Place Jean Jaurès, 34000 Montpellier, France
   • Contact Email: museehistoire@montpellier.fr
   • Main Features: Historical exhibits with family-friendly guided tours and interactive displays.
   • Phone Number: +33 4 67 34 87 00

Introduction to the Matrix Kids Cards Museum

Matrix Kids Cards Museum is dedicated to sparking curiosity and creativity in children around the world. With a mission to provide accessible, meaningful learning tools, the museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops inspired by Matrix Kids’ unique card sets. Each card set encourages imaginative play, cultural exploration, and early educational development, focusing on making learning both fun and impactful.

Guided by the principle that “every child can be a creator,” the museum not only showcases the history of Matrix Kids Cards but also invites young visitors to engage in crafting their own educational experiences. Our goal is to nurture an environment where learning transcends barriers and every child can dream big.

Looking for a more delightful reading experience? Download the full PDF version of this section by clicking here.