ERIC Number: EJ994608
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8650
EISSN: N/A
It's All Fun and Games in "Tiny's Diner": Preschool Programming in Unusual Exhibit Spaces
Moynihan, Nora; Diamant-Cohen, Betsy
Journal of Museum Education, v37 n3 p91-98 Fall 2012
Welcome to Port Discovery's "Tiny's Diner" where children can be seen doing the chicken dance or putting pickles on their heads. What do these activities have to do with promoting nutrition through early literacy activities? Educators know that young children learn through play, which can include using drama, games, movement, imagination, and music. They respond to humor and enjoy novelty. When schools choose guided tours instead of opting for free-flow visits, the museum is obligated to provide a formal program worth the extra expense. Creating programs for free-flow areas, such as a diner, can be challenging, however. This article describes the challenges of creating educational programs for guided groups that teach about healthy eating, strengthen school readiness skills, include picture book read-alouds, and keep young children engaged, while in exhibit spaces that were meant for free play. (Contains 32 notes.)
Descriptors: Preschool Education, Nonschool Educational Programs, Exhibits, Play, Nutrition Instruction, School Readiness, Reading Aloud to Others, Picture Books, Emergent Literacy, Learning Activities, Music Activities, Learner Engagement
Left Coast Press, Inc. 1630 North Main Street #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Tel: 925-935-3380; Fax: 925-935-3380; e-mail: journals@lcoastpress.com; Web site: http://www.lcoastpress.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maryland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A