Engaging Young Children in Museums

What does a museum do with a kindergartner who walks through the door? The growth of interest in young children learning in museums has joined the national conversation on early childhood education. Written by Sharon Shaffer, the founding Executive Director of the innovative Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, this is the first book for museum professionals as well as students offering guidance on planning programming for young children. This groundbreaking book:-Explains the various ways in which children learn-Shows how to use this knowledge to design effective programs using a variety of teaching models-Includes examples of successful programs, tested activities, and a set of best practices

Understanding the Audience of Young Children in Museums, Past and Present; Chapter 1 Children and Museums: An Introduction; Chapter 2 The History of Children and Museums in America: A Brief Overview; Chapter 3 Learning Theory and the Early Years; Shaping Programs that Engage Children in Constructing Meaning; Chapter 4 The Early Childhood Classroom and Museum Learning; Chapter 5 Best Practice: Key Concepts; Chapter 6 Best Practice: A Foundation for Early Childhood Programming in Museums; Making a Difference: The Promise of the Future; Chapter 7 Making a Difference: The Promise of the Future;