Hi early environmental educators!

I will be participating as a panelist in an upcoming FREE Smithsonian workshop on engaging children and families in museums and zoos. I will be emphasizing how environmental education and Nature Play can be applied in a variety of settings -- zoos, of course, but also museums and other more formal spaces.

Hope to see you there on May 30!
Emily Porter
Manager, Lifelong Learning
Friends of the National Zoo
Smithsonian's National Zoo

Children as Capable Learners: Engaging Young Children and Families in Informal Education and Environmental Education Spaces

What potential do museums, living museums, and zoos have in the engagement of families with young children? Join educators from the Smithsonian Early Learning Collaborative for a day exploring the value of inviting young families into museums, zoos, and other informal learning spaces.

This program will be offered in two corresponding sessions: a morning discussion and an afternoon workshop. Join us for one or both!

Morning Panel Discussion: A panel of Smithsonian educators will discuss how museums, living museums, and zoos are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of young children and their families. Museum professionals of all disciplines and early childhood educators are invited to join the conversation and consider why museums are important to young children and how early positive experiences in museums can cultivate future citizens and museum supporters.
Location: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Washington D.C.
May 30, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
Register at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5924657/one-good-thing-washington-smithson...

Afternoon Hands-on Workshop: Strategies for Your Organization. This hands-on workshop will connect learning theory to museum practice. Smithsonian educators will share strategies and techniques and invite the audience to consider applications to their own institutions.
Location: National Museum of American History. Washington D.C.
May 30, 1:30 PM - 3 PM.
Register at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7281450/one-good-thing-washington-smithson...