^{Activities, events and times subject to change.}

Explore Kaleidoscope Colloquiums!

A dynamic space for hands-on activities, storytelling, and cultural programming, the Kaleidoscope Colloquiums in the Kaleidoscope Room invite you to engage in crafts, games, and rotating interactive experiences inspired by global traditions. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, these workshops will host community partners, artists, and educators who bring beliefs, faith-based and cultural storytelling to life. Families can explore a diverse collection of books and resources that encourage conversations about friendship, respect, and understanding.

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April – Kaleidoscope Colloquiums

Dharma Wheel:  We are making the Dharma Wheel or Dharmachakra to honor the Theravada Buddhist New Year!  Theravada is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhists honor the first full moon in April as the start of their new year.  This is a holiday of reflection, self-contemplation, meditation, and family reunion.  Theravada New Year is celebrated differently in different countries and communities.  For example, in Thailand’s Songkran festival it is popular to have a large playful water fight to celebrate the start of the rainy season.  The dharma wheel is the principal symbol of Buddhism and is commonly understood to represent the perfection of the Buddha’s teachings (dharma).  In this case, the Dharma Wheel has the message of the Noble Eightfold Path, one of the most fundamental aspects of Buddhist teaching.

When: March 21^st – April 1^st All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Seder Plates: Make your own Ka’arah (Seder Plate) to observe the Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover).  As told in the Bible, this holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt and their return to their ancestral home in Canaan.  This is one of Judaism’s most important holidays and it is celebrated with a special meal called Seder where very specific and symbolic food is eaten.  

When: April 1^st – 10^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Valuable Word: Come make a paper heart decoration that illustrates something important about your caring identity.  This activity encourages kids to think about their loved ones as well as positive actions that put love and connection into the world.  Kids can think about someone they care about and what that individual does to make them feel good.  Alternatively, kids can also think about their own identity and characteristics.  This activity is vague enough that it allows for creativity and self-expression through words and drawings.

When: April 1^st – 11^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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He is Risen Craft:  Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ whom Christians believe is the      promised Messiah and Savior of the World.  This joyful celebration is the culmination of the 40-day period of Lent and involves communal worship, shared meals and thoughtfulness.  This activity illustrates the moment of Jesus’s resurrection.                                            

When: April 2^nd – 14^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Happy Vaisakhi Cards: Join us in making “Happy Vaisakhi!” cards to honor the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.  Vaisakhi is a   harvest festival.  Festivities include harvesting Gehun or wheat in large groups and singing together.  This is called Aawat pauni.  Vaisakhi is one of Sikhism’s most important festivals when everyone comes together to          commemorate the growth of the Sikh community with gurdwara services and parades.  

When: April 11^th – 19^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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A Letter To You: Let’s make a difference and help local Houston student Emmy L. with her kindness project!  Let’s spread kindness, one letter at a time! A Letter To You is a student-led project focused on encouraging connection and empathy between kids. Letters you write will be sent to other children of all different backgrounds in Houston. These small gestures of kindness can make a big difference to someone.

When: April 12^th – 30^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Holding the Earth: Celebrate Earth Day by creating a meaningful art piece that highlights our shared planet, the communities we call home, and the ways we can care for the world together.

When: April 15^th – 23^rd All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Flower Rings: Ridvan commemorates the 12 days that Baha’i spiritual and communal leader Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan (Paradise) meeting with his community before he was exiled from Baghdad.  While a sad moment for the faith, Baha’u’llah used his exile to spread the  Baha’i faith further...and all this started in a beautiful flower garden in the 1800s.  

When: April 21^st – 30^th All Day in Kaleidoscope

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Origami Lanterns: Let’s make origami paper lanterns to celebrate the Buddhist holiday of Vesak!  This holiday is one of the most important holy days in Buddhism, especially Theravada Buddhism.  Vesak commemorates the birth, life and teachings of the Buddha.  Due to many different calendar systems, the date of Vesak may vary, but in the United States this year it is celebrated on May 1st.   Lanterns play an important role in Buddhist festivals as they can symbolize the guiding light of the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma).

When: April 24^th – May 3^rd All Day in Kaleidoscope

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