Category Archives: Kids in Museums

All about bringing kids to museums, and what to do once you are there

Aquarium Visit Reboot

Posted on March 29, 2016 by D.C. Enthusiast

The last time we visited the National Aquarium, my son (3yrs old) treated it like a race he had to complete. I don’t know if it was the fact there was a “path” to follow, the crowds or what but … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Kids in Museums | Tagged aquarium, homemade, museums with kids, planning, reward chart, science, STEM | Leave a comment

L is for Lunch Counter

Posted on February 13, 2016 by D.C. Enthusiast

Your online “brand” is carefully curated. You put out information the way you want it to be shared. You try to shape the narrative, so to speak, of your life. This….is not on message. It is not a well organized … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums, Uncategorized | Tagged American History, Civil Rights Movement, museums with kids, preschool, teachable moments, tough topics | Leave a comment

Not Just a Chair

Posted on January 26, 2016 by D.C. Enthusiast

This is not just a chair, it was one of the most welcome sights in the Maryland Science Center. Tucked in a corner of the baby/toddler area it was comfortable, had a footstool and a “Boppy” pillow nearby. I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Kids in Museums, Uncategorized | Tagged infant, museums with kids, nursing, Parents, quiet activities, tough topics | Leave a comment

Collecting is Child’s Play

Posted on October 6, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

Went for a rainy, fall wander with my three year old and quickly realized…anyone who says that museums aren’t for kids has never been on a walk with a young child. “Oh Mama, look at that one! Oh Mama! I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums, Museum Education, Museum Fun at Home | Tagged collecting, educators, engaging, everyday, museums with kids, outdoor, teachable moments | Leave a comment

Nursing and Changing and Strollers…Oh My

Posted on October 1, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

Taking advantage of the tables at the National Museum of American History When my son was little and I started taking him to museums, I quickly realized that I was spending most of my mental energy on logistics. What door … Continue reading →

Posted in Kids in Museums, Uncategorized | Tagged accessible, diaper, everyday, infant, museums with kids, nursing, Parents, stroller | Leave a comment

Museums and Kids…what is the point?

Posted on September 1, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

What is the point of using museums in your lessons or visiting them with young children? Museums can add an element you can’t get anywhere else. Whether that is because of a unique object, physical location or something else. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Kids in Museums, Museum Education, Uncategorized | Tagged educators, engaging, museum professionals, museums with kids, teachable moments | Leave a comment

The Right Way to Use a Museum

Posted on August 18, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

It is easy to pigeonhole “how” you are “supposed” to use a museum. After all, a lot of care and thought goes into most exhibits and it seems right that you are supposed to take the entire museum, work your … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums, Museum Education | Tagged educators, museum professionals, museums with kids, teachable moments | Leave a comment

Routines

Posted on July 21, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

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 →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums, Museum Education | Tagged educators, engaging, infant, museums with kids, planning, preschool, reading, routine, teachable moments, toddler | Leave a comment

From Amateur to Expert

Posted on June 23, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

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 →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums | Tagged engaging, everyday, museums with kids, teachable moments, training | Leave a comment

Encouraging Play in Museums

Posted on March 31, 2015 by D.C. Enthusiast

“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 →

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums, Museum Education, Uncategorized | Tagged educators, engaging, exhibit, infant, museum professionals, museums with kids, Parents, preschool, teachable moments, toddler | Leave a comment