While driving in my car recently (that’s were all the best
thinking happens), I was visualizing what kind of child care program I would
create if I had unlimited resources.
As I imagined it, I realized that it more closely resembled a hands on children’s museum than a traditional child care program.
For a while now, I have been trying to help providers wrap their
heads around a “new” way of looking at child care vs. the model we have been
using for the last 50 years. The model
of a children’s museum can be a great way to look at what a “new” type of child
care program could be.
At our Reflective Practice group last month, we imagined a
super tricked out hand’s on children’s museum. The sky was the limit!
Then we thought about what elements of that children’s
museum we could take into our own child care programs.
·
Free to explore everything – all hands on
·
Interesting materials to manipulate
·
Supporting materials – pictures, displays, etc.
·
Self-directed learning
Lots of what we are looking for in
Early Achievers.
·
Group times, calendar, etc.
·
Group art projects
·
Restrictions
·
Teacher led learning
Things we hope to see less of with Early Achievers.
Here
are the “Exhibits” we included in our amazing children’s museum. What would you include if your resources were
unlimited? Get creative! (Note – these exhibits match the activity
items in the ERS)
Consider:
Consider:
·
Toddler and Preschool aged children
·
A variety of cultures
·
Experience that will engage all senses
·
Both hands-on materials to manipulate and things
to display in the space to support the experience
Take A Break Exhibit (Provision for Relaxation and Comfort)
Tinkering Factory Exhibit (Fine Motor)
Art Workshop and Gallery Exhibit (Art)
Music and Dance Studio Exhibit (Music and Movement)
Construction Zone Exhibit (Blocks)
Home Living Exploration Exhibit (Dramatic Play)
Calculation Station Exhibit (Math and Number)
Science Laboratory Exhibit (Nature and Science)
Dig and Pour Depot Exhibit (Sand and Water)
High Tech Hub Exhibit (Use of TV, Video and Computers)
Book Nook Exhibit (Using Books)
Also
Additional Dramatic Play Themes
Lights, Camera, Action Exhibit (Additional Dramatic Play Theme - stage and puppets)
Places Around Town Exhibit (Additional Dramatic Play themes - lots of options)