Tips to Support A Child's Learning During A Visit to The Discovery Museums

Parents are children's most important teacher

It can be confusing to know how much parents should interact with children while they are learning. Children tend to enjoy learning with other children and adults, especially friends and family members. Watch for cues that indicate how your child would like you to participate in a learning experience. You may be asked to take on an assigned role or task, answer a question, or model how to work an exhibit component.  

Let your child be your guide

Children's curiosity and creativity naturally encourage them to learn about their world as well as who they are as individuals. They weave their own unique learning maps in museums. Follow you child's one-of-a-kind pathway through the exhibits.  

Time isn't of the essence

Parents and children tend to view a museum visit in different ways. Parents are generally interested in seeing all of the exhibits, while children focus on the activities that are of interest to them, even if it means spending an entire visit at one exhibit. Decide as a family how the time during your visit is going to be spent.  

Repetition is learning

Children build upon past experiences while they are learning. Repetition of a single action is a child's way to explore that particular phenomenon. Though the actions appear similiar, the child's thought process changes every time the action is repeated as new ideas are tested. Observing your child's behavior, asking questions about what you notice, and joining the activity are ways to gain insight into your child's learning.