Category Archives: Museum Education

How museums can engage young learners

The Spooky House

Posted on March 11, 2017 by

This is the “Spooky House.” No, that is not its official title (embarrassingly I can’t find the notes where I wrote down its actual name) but it is what these two 4 year olds called the work. They spent ten … Continue reading →

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Sandbox Heretic

Posted on November 22, 2016 by

Last week I reflected on “rule breaking” in early childhood. To prove I’m not all talk I wanted to share this story… “Keep the sand in the sandbox!” An adult voice called out. It was the rule, it had been … Continue reading →

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“Hands On” Art

Posted on October 18, 2016 by

The first child picked up the brush and dunked it in the paint. As the paint dripped off onto her hand she ran the brush back and forth spreading a thick coat all over her hand and arm. She was … Continue reading →

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Setting Expectations

Posted on October 18, 2016 by

  “Setting expectations” is part of classroom management 101. What they mean is, getting the kids comfortable with the routines and with how they are supposed to behave at various points in the day. What I think is often left … Continue reading →

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Imposter Syndrome

Posted on July 19, 2016 by

It was my first article for a peer reviewed journal. I’d worked for months and it was down to the final round of edits. I opened the attachment from the editor and worked my way through the suggestions. Word change … Continue reading →

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Informal Education Makes an Impact

Posted on July 5, 2016 by

It is early, and I’m pushing the double stroller through the rain. The baby is babbling in her seat and my son is keeping up a stream of chatter, mostly for his own benefit. I can’t catch all the words, … Continue reading →

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More Then “Please Touch”

Posted on June 28, 2016 by

With an ocean-obsessed preschooler, we have been visiting a lot of aquariums. At our most recent stop, my husband turned to me and said “This one is really different! There are so many things you can touch.” He was right, … Continue reading →

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