Hello Museum Colleagues,

The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center is experimenting with some new
ideas around the use of play in museum spaces and extending that to how
objects enrich play in a classroom setting. We hope you'll join us for this
two day workshop at the Smithsonian.

Even if you can't make it to DC in May, we would love to hear if you have
some interesting stories to share related to playful museum encounters with
young children.

Best,
Betsy

Betsy Bowers
Director, Center for Innovation in Early Learning
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
 *Play: Engaging Young Learners in Object Rich Environments* *May 1 and 2,
2014*



The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center invites educators to join us for a
seminar exploring the incorporation of play in our object-based approach to
teaching young children.



This two day seminar takes place at the Smithsonian Institution and covers
the use of play as a vehicle for engaging young children in the classroom,
museum, and community. Bringing together children's interests, play themes,
and museum collections, seminar participants partake in hands-on, object
based activities, gallery visits, and guided discussions with museum
professionals and early childhood educators.



In this seminar, participants think critically about different types of
play and how to connect play to memorable museum experiences. We explore
the use of stories and narrative that tie to a child's interests and think
creatively about how to provide an environment that supports these
interests. Participants practice questioning techniques that promote
concept development.



By using the intrinsic motivation of play, educators can take advantage of
a setting where children are attentive and actively engaged. Considering
the educator's role and approach in children's play, seminar participants
will learn to guide seemingly spontaneous activity that encourages
exploration and learning.



Read more on the
blog<http://seecmuseumedblog.wordpress.com/category/professional-development-2/>
!



*Cost:*                                      Pilot Program Rates - One Time
Only Offer

$250  Early registration before March 21

                                                $300   Registration before
April 18

                                                $325   Late registration
after April 18



*Location of Seminar:*         Smithsonian Institution
                                                Smithsonian Castle Library,
Room 384



*Date:*                                      May 1 and 2, 2014

*Time:*                                     9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.



*Transportation:*                  Smithsonian Metro Stop (Orange or Blue
Line)



*For information:*                  Sarah Bartel, [log in to unmask]

Betsy Bowers, [log in to unmask]

                                                Phone: (202) 633-9587

Fax: (202) 786-3153

                                                PO Box 37012  MRC 184

                                                National Museum of Natural
History

                                                Washington, DC 20013-7012



*How to register:*



Register online through Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/
play-engaging-young-learners-in-object-rich-environments-tickets-10754770809



OR



Send in a registration form found at http://www.si.edu/seec/educators



OR



Call Betsy Bowers at (202) 633-9587 to register over the phone.





*A confirmation letter will be mailed to each participant.  Space is
limited.*

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