Funding for this project is provided by New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and The Pinkerton Foundation.
It's Time to Dream Big!
Dream Big! is an arts and literacy enrichment program designed to encourage children in 2nd and 3rd grade to think about their futures and envision their grandest desires. Through art instruction, art history and stories of Bronx luminaries, children gain a sense of pride in themselves, their culture, and the Bronx.
Now in its 11th year, Dream Big! is available to all as an original series of nine fun and imaginative videos. For educators, the entire program can be incorporated into summer programming with accompanying resource guides or used as individual segments. For caregivers, episodes may be viewed in any order: sequentially, in groups or separately.
As you watch the series, invite children to create artwork of their visions of their own futures. Be sure to add your child's artwork to the Dream Big! Gallery.
How to watch the series
The Dream Big! videos can be viewed individually, or as part of a consecutive series in the order suggested below.
Here are some tips for success:
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Watch the film on your own before showing it to children; identify any words or images that may require additional information or explanation.
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Stop the video or replay certain moments to allow for questions or comments from children.
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Prepare all the art materials beforehand, and don’t be afraid to substitute for what you have available.
Check out our Caregiver Resource Guides for more tips on how to watch the specific videos, including discussion questions.
Dream Big! Awesomely You, Cool Together
A Museum-led read-aloud of “A Judge Grows in the Bronx” by Jonah Winter, including a discussion about the early life of Sonia Sotomayor and how she overcame adversity growing up in the Bronx to become a Supreme Court Justice.
Approx: 13 Minutes
In this biopic, you’ll hear from the U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor all about her early life growing up right here in the Bronx.
Approx: 7 Minutes
An introduction to the life and work of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and a demonstration of how to create a self-portrait using drawing materials.
Approx: 12 Minutes
A Museum-led read-aloud of “Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You” by Sonia Sotomayor, including a discussion about the many differences that make each of us special and unique.
Approx: 10 Minutes
In this biopic, you’ll learn all about Dr. Valerie Capers, a Bronx native and renowned jazz pianist who overcame many difficulties to become the first blind person to graduate from the Julliard School of Music.
Approx: 8 Minutes
An introduction to the life and work of Henri Matisse and a demonstration of self-portraiture using collage materials.
Approx: 12 Minutes
An author-led reading of “A World Together” by actor and author Sonia Manzano, including examination of photographs by Bronx photographers Ricky Flores and David Gonzalez, and a discussion of the role of community in shaping identity.
Approx: 13 Minutes
In this biopic, you’ll hear from Sesame Street actor and children’s book author Sonia Manzano about how she worked hard growing up in the Bronx to accomplish her dreams of being on television.
Approx: 6 Minutes
An introduction to the photographic work of Bronx photographer Edwin Torres and a demonstration of an at-home photography activity families can engage in.
Approx: 15 Minutes
Dream Big! Gallery
We would love to see your awesomely cool artwork. Scroll through the Dream Big! Gallery to view artwork from kids just like you, then use the upload button to share a picture or video of your artwork with the Bronx Children's Museum and with others. We can't wait to see what makes you, YOU!
Share your awesome artwork!
Caregiver Resources
Helpful tool for making the most out of the Dream Big! Program
Dream Big Introduction (PDF)
A brief overview of the Dream Big Program.
Resource Guides
Educational guides for read-alouds and activity-based videos.
Where to find Dream Big! read-aloud books
Were the programs appropriate for your child? Are videos the right length? Were the resource guides helpful? You feedback is important to us as we plan our fall programming. Please let us know what you thought.
Questions? Need help?
If you need any help, or have questions with the Dream Big Video Series, please contact:
Nicole Wallace, Director of Education | nicole@bronxchildrensmuseum.org
Natalie Wood, Director of Arts & Programming | natalie@bronxchildrensmuseum.org