Description
Book SynopsisWelcoming Young Children into the Museum provides all of the information practitioners need to consider when making the decision to engage with this audience and their carers. Meeting the reader where they are, this guide enables professionals to work toward outcomes that fit with their needs.
Working methodically from the initial stages of bringing staff on board, through to implementation and evaluation, readers are carefully steered through each phase. Big-picture needs, like adherence to mission, are considered alongside logistical components, like cleaning schedules, to ensure that museums cater to young children in a way that is beneficial to both the visitors and the institution. Drawing on current neurological research and best practices in early childhood education and development, this guide presents case studies from a variety of different institutions around the world that demonstrate that creating interesting, developmentally appropriate opportunities for
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Young Children in Museums?; 1. Reflection and Research: Preparing the Ground; 2. Early Childhood Education: Laying the Foundation; 3. Physical Environment and Available Information: Leveling the Floor; 4. Program Planning: Framing the Walls; 5. Making Exhibits for Young Children: Designing the Interior; 6. Staff Training: Making a House a Home; 7. Reflection and Review: Why This is All Worth It; Appendix A: Story Time Resources; Appendix B: Anti-Bias Anti-Racist Learning Resources; Appendix C: Selected Resources
