Object Lessons and Early Learning

As we progress further into the twenty-first century, more and more people are beginning to understand the importance of early learning and, as a result, the subject continues to garner much attention and interest. Object Lessons and Early Learning leverages what is known about 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 case study 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, 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.

Sharon E. Shaffer is a museum consultant specializing in providing programming to younger children. She is a former Executive Director of the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, USA. A former faculty member of the George Washington University Museum Studies Program, she has a PhD in education and is the only educator ever to receive the Smithsonian Institution Secretary’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service.