Category Archives: Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education theory, and how it relates to museum education

Routines

How many times have you read Goodnight Moon? In a day? In a week? In a row? If there is a young child in your life I bet there is A book that has been read until you can let … Continue reading

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Oh! You’re an educator….I have this problem….

I experienced the educator equivalent of “Oh! You are a doctor? So…I have this rash….” Sitting in my optometrists office, the very nice and clearly exhausted doctor was talking about his 2 ½ and 3 ½ year old kids. He … Continue reading

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From Amateur to Expert

We are used to the idea that kids need time to go from amateur to expert. We don’t expect them to roll over…then get up and run around the room. We even have a buzzy education word to describe helping … Continue reading

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Little Golden Books: How to use them?

I recently wrote about the treasure trove of Little Golden Books that we were given by my Godfather. As part of my “museum origin story” the focus was on how their history and connection to the past was so exciting. … Continue reading

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Outdoor and Environmental Education: A Toddler’s Guide

Outdoor and Environmental Education sounds so formal…but it doesn’t have to look or feel that way. Over and over I’ve talked about embracing “science moments” as a way to make the science come alive for young children, without being overwhelming … Continue reading

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Invitations to Play

“Invitations to Play” is a buzzword I didn’t even know existed until I joined Pinterest. Now, I scroll through hundreds of blogs all linked to this idea.  Basically, an “invitation to play” is a set of materials that you set … Continue reading

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Encouraging Play in Museums

“Teaching kids to play” is something that goes on constantly at home and in the early childhood classroom, but it also has implications for a museum or other informal learning space.  These kids are just learning the fundamentals of play, … Continue reading

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Teaching Kids How to Play

It seems to so counter-intuitive to us adults that children need to be “taught” how to play. After all, they are kids! It is what they do! Think about it though, we call play “the work of children,” how many … Continue reading

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“Engaging Young Children in Museums”- New Book!

I’ve talked a lot about the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) on this blog. It was my first “classroom teaching” gig and gave me a chance every day to try out ways that the museum could benefit young children. Sharon … Continue reading

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Articles in “Teaching Young Children”

Publishing on the web has been exciting…but I will admit there is something very satisfying about seeing your words “in print!” I have had two articles come out in “Teaching Young Children” (a NAEYC publication) and luckily they are offering … Continue reading

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