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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I'm not sure I agree that science centres should be thinking in terms of
teaching grandparents how to interact with children! I have to say I've
often been deeply impressed by what I've observed of the triangular
interaction between child, exhibit and grandparent.

I am totally 100% convinced that so-called science centre 'explainers' have
a huge amount to LEARN from grandparents. 

Grandparents know how to be supportive, how to listen, how to praise and how
to encourage. They know how to frame the slightly dopey-sounding questions
that stimulates thoughtful dialogue and exploratory engagement with the
exhibit.

They know how to empower the child to feel clever and important. They don't
constantly emphasise their own superior knowledge or browbeat the child with
a crushing stream of 'explainations' and factoids. Above all, they show a
willingness to LEARN ALONGSIDE the child.

Don't try to teach your grandmother how to suck eggs. She's probably not
aware of it, but she's already a brilliantly effective teacher.

So communicate THAT message! And train your 'explainers' to do less
'explaining' and more empowering.

Promoting public engagement with science
through a contagious delight in phenomena
*
[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
*
Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
*
Ian Russell 

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fournier, Kathy
Sent: 12 January 2009 14:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grandparents

We have began a Hip Grandparents series. In part this is to smooze the
grandparent set for donations but we are also trying to also equip them with
information on how to interact with their grandchildren while at the museum.
We give them some science behind the exhibits so that when they come with
their grandchildren they can be an active participant and not be
intimidated. 

Kathy Fournier
Director of Science Education
McWane Science Center

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