Category Archives: Blog
Museum Education: An Origin Story
“How did you get into museum education?” It is probably the 1st question I get asked when I start explaining my work. I’m sure I’m not alone and many of my Museum Ed colleagues talk about inspiring teachers, memorable internships … Continue reading
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
Posted in Early Childhood Education
Tagged everyday, outdoor, science, STEM, teachable moments, toddler
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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
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Museum Fun at Home, Uncategorized
Tagged art, engaging, everyday, invitation to play, play, quiet activities
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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
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
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Museum Fun at Home, Uncategorized
Tagged educators, engaging, infant, play, preschool, teachable moments, toddlers
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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
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
“Museums and Early Childhood Education”-NAEA Google Hangout
Since starting Cabinet of Curiosities I’ve had a lot of “firsts.” I’ve been published, started teaching science classes, been a guest lecturer and given docent trainings. This month, I had another new adventure…moderating a Google Hangout on young children in … Continue reading
Raising “Socio-Economically” Aware Kids
Wouldn’t it be nice if raising/educating children was mostly about the straight-forward stuff? Potty training, sleep schedules, even the “3 Rs” are not easy, but they have clear goals. What trips me up most about being a Mom-to-a-toddler (and was … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Uncategorized
Tagged anti-bias, difference, preschool, socio-economic, teachable moments, toddler, tolerance, tough topics
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The Kindness of “Big Kids”
This blog is about museums and early childhood education, but sometimes I veer a little off course. Today is one of those days, because I am just so overwhelmed by an act of kindness that I got to see. We … Continue reading
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