Category Archives: Uncategorized

Snow Day Bingo

My 3.5 year old loves to watch TV. I don’t blame him, I like it too. But it can make things tricky when we are stuck inside.  “Can I watch TV? No? WHEN can I watch TV?” Put that on … Continue reading

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Nature Walk Made Simple

Getting children outside to experience and learn from nature doesn’t take a lot of tools or preparation…it doesn’t even take a lot of nature. It mostly takes time, questions and a willingness to get a little messy. What shouldn’t stop … Continue reading

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Meeting Your Own Museum Needs

Since my kids came along, I have grown accustomed to the different pace they set for our day. Places for lunch are analyzed for quick food delivery, activities are weighed against nap and bedtime schedules and time for “grown up” … Continue reading

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5 Minute Object Lessons

“Object based learning” sounds like such a buzzword. Maybe it brings to mind a really complicated lesson with a lot of moving parts, or a super unique object that the child has never seen before. Sure, you could do it … Continue reading

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Nursing and Changing and Strollers…Oh My

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

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Museums and Kids…what is the point?

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

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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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