Object Lessons And Early Learning

The twenty-first century is a time of change for early learning in museums, due in part to society's evolving view of childhood, from an age of innocence to understanding the robust learning that defines the first years of life. This perspective is a catalyst for international conversation and continues to raise attention and interest across society. Object Lessons and Early Learning leverages what is known about the cognitive development of young children to examine the power of learning through objects in museum and heritage settings. Exploring the history and modern day practice of object-based learning, Shaffer outlines the rationale for endorsing this approach in both formal and informal learning spaces. She argues that museums, as collecting institutions, are learning spaces uniquely positioned to allow children to make meaning about their world through personal connections to cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and works of art. A range of descriptive object lessons, inspired by objects in museums as well as from the everyday world, are presented throughout the text as examples of ways in which children can be encouraged to engage with museum collections. Object Lessons and Early Learning offers insights into strategies for engaging young children as learners in museum settings and in their everyday world, and, as such, will be essential reading for museum professionals, classroom educators, and students. It should also be of great interest to academics and researchers engaged in the study of museums and education.

The twenty-first century is a time of change for early learning in museums, due in part to society's evolving view of childhood, from an age of innocence to understanding the robust learning that defines the first years of life. This perspective is a catalyst for international conversation and continues to raise attention and interest across society. Object Lessons and Early Learning leverages what is known about the cognitive development of young children to examine the power of learning through objects in museum and heritage settings. Exploring the history and modern day practice of object-based learning, Shaffer outlines the rationale for endorsing this approach in both formal and informal learning spaces. She argues that museums, as collecting institutions, are learning spaces uniquely positioned to allow children to make meaning about their world through personal connections to cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and works of art. A range of descriptive object lessons, inspired by objects in museums as well as from the everyday world, are presented throughout the text as examples of ways in which children can be encouraged to engage with museum collections. Object Lessons and Early Learning offers insights into strategies for engaging young children as learners in museum settings and in their everyday world, and, as such, will be essential reading for museum professionals, classroom educators, and students. It should also be of great interest to academics and researchers engaged in the study of museums and education.

Object Lessons: How Nineteenth-Century Americans Learned to Make Sense of the Material World examines the ways material things--objects and pictures--were used to reason about issues of morality, race, citizenship, and capitalism, as well as reality and representation, in the nineteenth-century United States. For modern scholars, an "object lesson" is simply a timeworn metaphor used to describe any sort of reasoning from concrete to abstract. But in the 1860s, object lessons were classroom exercises popular across the country. Object lessons helped children to learn about the world through their senses--touching and seeing rather than memorizing and repeating--leading to new modes of classifying and comprehending material evidence drawn from the close study of objects, pictures, and even people. In this book, Sarah Carter argues that object lessons taught Americans how to find and comprehend the information in things--from a type-metal fragment to a whalebone sample. Featuring over fifty images and a full-color insert, this book offers the object lesson as a new tool for contemporary scholars to interpret the meanings of nineteenth-century material, cultural, and intellectual life.

Object Lessons: How Nineteenth-Century Americans Learned to Make Sense of the Material World examines the ways material things--objects and pictures--were used to reason about issues of morality, race, citizenship, and capitalism, as well as reality and representation, in the nineteenth-century United States. For modern scholars, an "object lesson" is simply a timeworn metaphor used to describe any sort of reasoning from concrete to abstract. But in the 1860s, object lessons were classroom exercises popular across the country. Object lessons helped children to learn about the world through their senses--touching and seeing rather than memorizing and repeating--leading to new modes of classifying and comprehending material evidence drawn from the close study of objects, pictures, and even people. In this book, Sarah Carter argues that object lessons taught Americans how to find and comprehend the information in things--from a type-metal fragment to a whalebone sample. Featuring over fifty images and a full-color insert, this book offers the object lesson as a new tool for contemporary scholars to interpret the meanings of nineteenth-century material, cultural, and intellectual life.

Cultural Heritage Conservation for Early Learners explores how to introduce young audiences to art conservation. Conservators and educators from around the world share their approach to creating engaging, hands-on programs for children aged three to eight and their caregivers. Drawing on their experiences as conservators and educators, the authors provide an in-depth look at the Smithsonian Institution’s popular “Art & Me” family workshops. Readers will gain practical insights into the workshop design, which draws upon years of program evaluation and discover how these workshops foster an understanding of cultural preservation; familiarize attendees with museum spaces; and encourage a sense of responsibility for preserving history and culture. The book also explores case studies beyond the United States, showcasing diverse approaches to early learner engagement in cultural heritage conservation. These real-world examples, encompassing various settings and collaborations, delve into the adaptation of virtual and online resources in response to contemporary challenges. Cultural Heritage Conservation for Early Learners is an indispensable guide for emerging and established educators, conservators, and museum professionals who wish to integrate art conservation and cultural heritage preservation into early learning. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in innovative, arts integration teaching methods that enhance critical thinking and foster a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage.

Home Education is a groundbreaking exploration into the art of cultivating a rich and vibrant learning environment within the confines of one's home. Mason, a visionary educator, lays out a compelling philosophy that transcends traditional schooling methods, focusing on the holistic development of a child's mind, character, and habits. Through the lens of living books, nature study, and a thoughtful approach to discipline, Mason offers a refreshing perspective that empowers parents to provide an education that is not only intellectually rigorous but also fosters a love for learning. In this timeless work, Mason provides practical insights into the daily rhythms of home education, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of curiosity and wonder. She advocates for the use of living books—engaging and narrative-rich texts that ignite a child's imagination and create a genuine connection to the subjects studied. Additionally, Mason encourages the integration of nature into the learning experience, promoting outdoor exploration and observation as essential elements of a well-rounded education. Home Education serves as a guide for parents seeking an alternative, more personalized approach to education that goes beyond rote memorization and standardized testing. Charlotte Mason's philosophy, outlined with clarity and conviction, resonates with those who aspire to nurture not only academically proficient individuals but also compassionate, well-rounded human beings. This book is a compelling resource for anyone looking to embark on a transformative journey in home-based learning.

International Thinking on Children in Museums introduces current research, theory, and practice about young learners in museums around the world. The book imparts vital knowledge about the nature of childhood and children’s learning that will improve understanding of the very youngest museum-goers. Including contributions from practitioners, scholars, and consultants around the globe, this volume examines museum practices and children’s learning across a range of distinct cultural and geographic locales. The framework of the book is based on research and current thinking in the realm of developmental psychology, sociology, and anthropology, allowing the contributors to examine the evolution of early learning and children’s programs through a sociocultural lens. This broad-based look at international museum practices for children offers a rare view of the field from an important, but oft-neglected perspective: that of society and culture. International Thinking on Children in Museums will broaden understanding of museum practice across cultures and geographic regions and, as such, will be of interest to scholars and students engaged in the study of museum education, museum studies, and early learning. It should also provide a much-needed source of inspiration for museum practitioners working around the world.

Sidebars - designed to extend students' understanding of the themes of the text Enrichment Activities - can be used either as in class or as out of class projects For Further Reading and Professional Development Resources - provide resources for learning more about a particular topic Self-Assessment - designed to help you assess students' learning from the chapter