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Early Learning Resources
Links to SEEC Early Childhood Resources
Looking at Art with Toddlers
In recent years, researchers have discovered what early childhood educators have known for a long time...that the early years of life are the most critical for learning. We now know that brain development is directly related to early experience, and we understand that any learning which is sensory in nature promotes optimal growth and development. SEEC recognizes this critical period for young children and emphasizes interactive, multi-sensory learning in everyday activities. SEEC's teachers encourage exploration and discovery, placing objects and works of art at the center of a child’s day. Integrating the rich resources of the community into the curriculum enhances learning.
Download the "Looking At Art with Toddlers" Article
Visit the National Endowment for the Arts web site at: http://www.nea.gov/pub/pubAlpha.php?alpha=I to request a copy of:
Smithsonian in Your Classroom
The Spring 2008 issue of Smithsonian in Your Classroom featured a collaboration with SEEC.
From the Smithsonian in Your Classroom website:
"The lessons here bring collections into the classroom to give tangibility to mathematics - to turn numbers on a page into numbers of actual things. In the first, "A Collection of Artifacts," young students take a close look at something we use every day but rarely think about until it's missing - the button. In early-algebra exercises of sorting and classifying, they organize a collection of random buttons, counting and multiplying them according to attributes. In the second, "A Collection of Natural Objects," students work with seashells and come to see how sorting and classifying relates to the work of scientists."
National Arts Education Association Newsletter
In a newsletter article for the National Arts Education Association, Dr. Sharon Shaffer discusses the growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education.
SEEC's Educational Outreach Program
View and download a sample lesson plan from SEEC's museum education team.
Early Childhood at the Smithsonian
Watch here for upcoming links to other early learning programs!
Other Early Learning Articles
Kids Online: A new research agenda for understanding social networking forums.
Podcasts and videos
Parents' Perspective Podcast
Dr. Sharon Shaffer was interviewed about museum schools for the award-winning radio show "Parents' Perspective".
Click here to listen to the podcast.
The Smithsonian's Role in Advancing Early Learning in Museums
Click here to watch the video.
Additional Websites
Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies Visit www.smithsonianeducation.org for education resources for educators, parents and students.
National Association for the Education of Young Children www.naeyc.org
Arts Education Partnership www.aep-arts.org
National Art Education Association www.naea-reston.org
National Endowment for the Arts www.arts.gov
National Building Museum www.nbm.org
Corcoran Gallery of Art www.corcoran.org
National Gallery of Art www.nga.gov
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
PO Box 37012, MRC 184
National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC 20013-7012
