In article <[log in to unmask]>, JCA Boeyens
<[log in to unmask]> writes:

>Hi there
>
>I am going to a discussion about the setting up of a toddler museum as
>part of a new museum complex in central Pretoria. Everybody however
>is a bit confused about the meaning of toddler-surely this is between 1
>and 3 years old. It seems a bit young to me-wouldn't the museum
>essentially be for young families then?  Shoudn't such activites be part
of
>the broader museum, ie why have the fun part seperated from the
>serious part? Are there museums/museum exhibitions for under 5s? Any
>suggestions, ideas, examples would be gratefully appreciated.
>
>Kathryn Mathers
>Pretoria
>
>

For the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, CT, they have a program that
involves toddlers and their parents.  The name escapes me now, but I can
describe it.  In a bag, there is a map of the museum with little footsteps
marking a path around the galleries.  Some of the works are numbered and
there is a coresponding item in the bag.  For example, a Stella painting
coresponds to small cards with different colors.  The child picks the
color that is in the painting.  Other examples include touch (fur, or
marble) puzzles, etc.  It gives the child a chance to learn how the works
are made or feel without actually touching them.  I have heard good
responses to this program.
Just my two cents.

Arthur Fleischmann
http://funrsc.fairfield.edu/~8_mapuzz/art/homepage