This course explores how everyday objects can spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and bring new life to your teaching practice! Through a series of tools, strategies, and reflection activities, educators will learn to use familiar materials to transform classroom routines into dynamic, inquiry-based learning experiences. This course draws on the vast expertise of Smithsonian educators.

Course Information

• Start Date: Available on-demand
• Course Level: Beginner
• Requirements/Prerequisites: None
• Target Audience: All Staff
• Course Meeting Times: None
• Completion Timeline/Duration: 45 Days

Learning Objectives

• Gain an understanding of how objects can give life to old lessons and make learning fun and exciting for both teachers and students.
• Learn how to incorporate children’s prior knowledge and home culture to build appreciation of more complex topics.
• Practice incorporating children’s natural curiosity in the world around in unexpected way throughout the day.
• Discover how to use everyday object to support children’s learning and engagement throughout your day.

Head Start Alignment

This course supports programs in meeting 1302.31 Teaching and the learning environment of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in which a program must “…Teaching practices must…emphasize nurturing and responsive practices, interactions, and environments that foster trust and emotional security; are communication and language rich; promote critical thinking and problem-solving; social, emotional, behavioral, and language development; provide supportive feedback for learning; motivate continued effort; and support all children’s engagement in learning experiences and activities”

It aligns with the ELOF Approaches to Learning domain and supports goals for Infants and Toddler and Preschool subdomains.

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Course Author

Julia Smith

Julia Smith is a Museum and Early Learning Specialist at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s (SEEC) Office of Engagement. In this position she offers curricular support to classroom educators working with children birth through kindergarten. She aids in developing lessons grounded in play and utilizing the surrounding museums and community. Additionally, Julia brings SEEC’s expertise in museum-based education for young children out to the world through professional development for educators, public programs, and partnerships with other educational institutions. Julia began her role at SEEC as a toddler educator. She is committed to advocating for the inclusion of all young children, particularly those 0-3 years, in educational spaces.