Research Summary Families value experiences they can’t get at home or haven’t experienced somewhere else. Tips & Takeaways What is it that people can do, see, hear, touch, and learn at your site that they can’t do elsewhere or at home? Find the twist that makes your program topic distinct or unique to your institution. […]
Layering Content
Research Summary Layer content so that individual members of the family with their own needs and interests can find something that interests them. It can be subtle or overt. Think about various formats you can incorporate (images, objects, books, activities). That way, there’s more opportunity for people to connect to something that interests them and […]
Continuing the Experience
Research Summary The experience doesn’t have to end when the program ends. Adult caregivers are looking for ways to “extend” their programmatic experiences in order to encourage their children’s learning. Parents have the right idea because research proves that people of all ages learn from assimilating experiences and making relevance from them. This is done […]
Fun & Play
Research Summary Adult caregivers seek out fun and enjoyable experiences for their family to experience together. In addition, research proves that a child’s play leads directly to positive social, cultural, and educational growth. Parent and adult involvement in a child’s play increases the efficacy of that play. However, parents are not always comfortable or don’t […]
Encouraging Conversation
Research Summary Research shows that social interaction within families leads to overall enjoyment and learning because it helps families develop a shared knowledge, better understanding of each other, and family memories. Tips & Takeaways Get people talking to you and, more importantly, each other. Design discussion prompts into the program Add opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, […]
Environment and Set Up
Research Summary Your program’s environment and set up can complement the multigenerational nature of your program or hinder it. Program spaces should be comfortable and inviting to families, as well as accessible and flexible, in order to fit the needs of diverse families. Tips & Takeaways Adding appropriate context to your environment can help family […]
Authenticity
Research Summary Research shows that the public wants to feel that they are participating in authentic activities. Choose a topic that maintains “content integrity” (fits your mission, collections, displays, and content), so that participants feel it is authentic to your institution. Then, whenever possible, use authentic materials in authentic environments. Tips & Takeaways Try to […]
Inclusionary Design for Everyone: Flexibility and Access
Research Summary Everyone is different, so design multiple entry points into your program so there’s something to appeal to everyone. Once you have everyone involved, flexibility is key. Plan ahead for all contingencies during the design process to ensure success for your facilitators. Designing for multi-modality, multi-user, multi-outcomes, and family agency and choice make a […]
Relevance and Connections
Research Summary People find resonance in concepts and experiences they can relate to. Research shows that learning and memory-making are more likely to occur when people can connect their experiences with familiar ideas and events. Incorporating the reflective process into your program allows visitors the opportunity to digest and process what they experienced during the program. Tips & […]
Setting Expectations
Research Summary Without even meaning to, program designers can send cues to adults that their participation is not desirable. We must be aware of the invisible messages we send in our design and facilitation and insure we invite everyone to participation and make them comfortable doing so. Tips & Takeaways Explicitly invite adult participation at […]
