HI Sharon and colleagues,
Chiming in a bit late. The Newark Museum has had tremendous support from key funders that has allowed us to develop, deepen and expand our programming for Early Learners over the last several years. With a focus on 3 - 5 year olds, we have a rich array of programs for families (onsite and outreach), Museum experiences for preK classes, materials for self-guide gallery explorations, an area in our MakerSPACE dedicated to young learners, and professional development for caregivers. We are partnering with Rutgers Newark on Early Learning research, and have been expanding our own internal capacities through workshops and observations. We also host the city-wide Family Night at the Museum to encourage families to use the Museum and other resources to mitigate summer learning loss. Best contacts here:
Shirley Thomas, Director of School, Youth and Family Programs (
sthomas@newarkmuseum.org) and
France Garrido, Museum Educator. (
fgarrido@newarkmuseum.org).
Cheers!
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Sonnet Takahisa
Deputy Director of Engagement & Innovation
The Newark Museum
Newark NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-06-2018 02:50 PM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
What's exciting about your program is the blend of hands-on children's museum approach and real artifacts.
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Sharon Shaffer PhD
Principal, Education Consultant
Ruckersville VA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-04-2018 12:23 PM
From: Stephanie Eddleman
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
Here at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis we have an entire exhibit (Playscape) dedicated to children ages 0-5. We offer art, music, and science based programming throughout the day and in addition we have interpreters that are trained to interact with families throughout the exhibit informally using a technique called Powerful Interactions. I'd be happy to share more details if interested!
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Stephanie Eddleman
Early Childhood Specialist
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis IN
Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2018 12:41 PM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
Thanks Michelle for the information about your program. I'm following up on everyone's responses and am excited to see how diverse programs are. I look forward to seeing more from other colleagues.
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Sharon Shaffer PhD
Principal, Education Consultant
Ruckersville VA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2018 11:36 AM
From: Michelle Mileham
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
Hi Sharon -
Tracy Aviary has offered our Little Chicks series twice a year for several years. The program is for 2-5 year olds and a caregiver (parent, grandparent, nanny, etc.) and is based on the North American Association of Environmental Education's early childhood guidelines. In every class we sing a morning song, do some kind of movement, read a story, do a craft, have a bird visitor, have a healthy snack, and end with another song. We're in between series right now, but you can see a bit more detail at this link: Little Chicks Classes
The program has been so successful that we are piloting our first pre-K camp this summer. It will be a combination of the hour-long Little Chicks class and our Nature in the City program, meaning it will involve more outdoor time and nature play experiences.
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Michelle Mileham
Director of Education
Tracy Aviary
Salt Lake City UT
Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2018 02:17 PM
From: Shanti Sanchez
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
I manage school and community programs at the Vero Beach Museum of Art where programs for younger audiences has been increasing (the website is currently being redesigned so I don't have a link yet), and I would especially be interested to know how other museums handle preschool group visits to both galleries and interactive areas, as well as any museum education programs for early childhood educators. Thank you for posting this topic to the forum.
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Shanti Sanchez
School, Youth and Community Programs Manager
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Vero Beach, FL
shanti@verobeachmuseum.org
Original Message:
Sent: 03-29-2018 11:08 AM
From: Sharon Shaffer
Subject: Current Museum Programs of Excellence for Early Learning
I am gathering perspectives from colleagues about museum programs that stand out for their exemplary practice with children six and younger and would like to hear from anyone who would like to shine a light on terrific programs. Which museums are engaging young children in exciting ways and what new practices are trending? Thank you for sharing!
--
Sharon Shaffer, PhD
Early Learning in Museums, Inc.
675 Four Seasons Drive
Ruckersville, VA 22968
571.236.2349