Orrie Crews wrote:
>
> Mary,
>
> Your response to Scott's question seems rather cynical.  We're not
> labeling children but children are not adults.  If children are to feel
> important then they must feel recognized and respected.  Surely you
> don't expect  adults and children to communicate on the same level.  So
> why then should museums communicate to both children and adults on one
> level.  How would we do so if we even could?
>
> I am in favor of kid-friendly labeling because information presented on
> the child's level develops a child's self-esteem and awareness.
> Children need that sense of independence.  Parent and children can spend
> time together reading labels, and that's good.  But children, like you
> and I, like to acknowledge.  And what can be wrong with creating labels
> that meant just for young learners.
>
> You see Mary, it's not about labeling; it's about esteem building in
> children.  Why shouldn't museum be a part of that in any way we can.
>
> Sincerely,
> Orrie Crews, Asst. Curator of Education
> The Natural Science Center of Greensboro
> Neighborhood Nature Museum
>
> [Image]
Didn't get in on the beginning of this but if the original was an
inquiry into the ways others label for children, you might want to look
at the "Children's Level" labeling in our Austin Colony exhibit.  What
won't be apparent from the web presentation is that these label are
monted about three feet from the floor on slant boards.

Before we proceeded to install these we passed them buy a child
psycholigist from Children's Protective Services next door to advise on
their appropriatness (some subject matter dealt with slaves and native
Americans and might have been demeaning).  She approved all but one.

Take a look if you are interested.
--
Bob Handy, Director
Brazoria County Historical Museum
Angleton, Texas
http://www.bchm.org