Schedule for Summer 2004

Last Fall and Early Winter Programs   

Last Summer's Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When lots of folks ask us the same question, we put the answers here.

• What is Salt the Sandbox?
• Who are the people behind Salt the Sandbox?
    

What is Salt the Sandbox?

Salt the Sandbox is, in part, a Web site that helps parents support their children’s passionate interests in the world around them.  You can learn more about it by going here:  
   < http://saltthesandbox.org/ >
  
You can learn how to salt your own sandbox by going here:
   < http://saltthesandbox.org/why_salt_the_sandbox.htm >

As part of Salt the Sandbox, we've written some articles about raising kids who have really deep interests, especially a passion for collecting. To read these articles, go here:  
  
   Aaron's Treasures: How to nurture your child's urge to collect (without letting it drive you nuts)
      < http://saltthesandbox.org/ChicagoParentArticle1.htm >
   
   Islands of Expertise:  Why do children become such specialists?
      < http://saltthesandbox.org/ChicagoParentArticle2.htm >

The special nature and science programs at Wonder Works have been Salt the Sandbox's first outreach programs in the real world.  

Who are the people behind Salt the Sandbox?

Salt the Sandbox was developed by Eric Gyllenhaal and his two children, Ethan and Aaron.  

Eric grew up volunteering for a children’s nature museum near Cleveland, Ohio.  He earned degrees in natural resources, geology, and paleontology, and worked for ten years as Curator of Natural Science at the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis and another five years developing exhibits at The Field Museum in Chicago.  Now Eric works part-time as a museum consultant and part-time as a stay-at-home dad.  He’s also a volunteer at Wonder Works and in Oak Park schools.