Feb

Learning through objects: Museums and young children

Learning Through Objects: Museums and Young Children

March 14 and 15, 2013

A two-day seminar presented by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Explore the possibilities for young children and museums:

Inspire learning
Enrich museum and classroom experiences
Help children understand the world
Build important cognitive skills

All through the power of objects!

Early Registration: Before February 15

Participants will learn how a host of museum objects—including paintings, sculptures, an African headrest, and an old-time chestnut roaster—can help children as young as two or three years old understand their world.

The program, featuring hands-on exercises with museum objects, lectures, discussions and gallery experiences, is designed to help museum educators forge more creative encounters with young museum-goers, and to introduce early childhood educators to the magic of museums.

Participants will be encouraged to think expansively about using children’s literature, art and objects to create explorations of thematic topics. By tapping resources in their own communities—objects in local museums and community centers, statues, public art, bridges, buildings and more—participants learn to bring the world of museums to young children in their communities. All objects, even commonplace ones, tell stories. That’s what “Learning through Objects” is all about.

Cost: $400 Early registration before February 15
$425 Registration after February 15

Location: Smithsonian Castle Library, Room 384 (Metro Blue or Orange line, Smithsonian stop)

Date: March 14 and 15, 2013

Time: 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.si.edu/seec/educators or contact Brianne Peck Bertuca peckbertucab@si.edu or Betsy Bowers BowersB@si.edu.