A young mother holds a child in one arm while pushing a stroller
through the exhibits in ThinkSpace, flocked
by at least three other children under the age of twelve. Looking at her
energetic, excited children and the tired smile on her face, I wonder about the
first times I visited Providence Children’s Museum. As the seventh of nine
children, did I resemble the five-year-old about to knock over the block tower
built by an older sibling? Or was I the shy three-year-old, hesitantly asking
to be let into Littlewoods while
clinging to my Mom’s hand?
Every time I volunteer at the Museum, memories flood back of my
experiences when I visited as a child. Many of the beloved exhibits that I
remember from my childhood remain at the Museum, but each with a new twist,
whether in the form of the addition of ice in Water Ways or the Fort Adams exhibit in the Coming to Rhode Island time tunnel. But for me, part of the twist
is the difference with which I see the exhibits: instead of looking at the
exhibits through the eyes of a child to whom everything is new, exciting, and
unfamiliar, I see Providence Children’s Museum as someone behind-the-scenes.
I am learning that there is not only magic in the Museum for the children,
but the volunteers and staff as well. By observing and creating a safe
environment for learning, I get to create some of the magic. I have the
opportunity to twist the knobs in Water
Ways and watch as a child gasps and calls to their parent as the water
reforms with each twist. I can observe and engage with children as they
discover learning on their own or follow the example set by others. As a Play
Guide, I also keep the learning environment safe and inviting, as I squeegee
the puddled floor in Water Ways or set
up blocks in a welcoming, but tidy manner in ThinkSpace.
Looking back at both my childhood experiences at the Museum, as
well as the young mother and her energetic children visiting now, I recognize
one of the unique qualities of Providence Children’s Museum: it does not matter
if the children visiting are exuberant five-year-olds, or quiet, reserved three-year-olds,
the Museum has something for every child. And volunteering has taught me that
all the fun children have while visiting Providence Children’s Museum is made
possible by the hard work of the volunteers and staff. Because of their effort
and research, the Museum is a welcoming, vibrant place. I have also learned
that the exploration and experimentation of learning does not have to end after
childhood. There are so many varieties of different learning styles I am
learning to recognize, and I discover something new in the exhibits with every
volunteer shift.
Written by Play Guide and current student of the University of Rhode Island, Abigail Clarkin.
Abigail guides Antonio Cohelo's ship, the Nellie May, in the Coming to Rhode Island Time Tunnel.
Abigail plays in the IWay exhibit, opened in November of 2006.