Discovering the Boonshoft Museum and Preschool for Children
Have you ever been to the Boonshoft Museum? If you have, you may not have been aware that they also offer a preschool. This amazing wonderland of science and technology is more than a parent could ever ask for when it comes to their child's education.
Discovering the Boonshoft Museum and Preschool for Children
Have you ever been to the Boonshoft Museum? If you have, you may not have been aware that they also offer a preschool. This amazing wonderland of science and technology is more than a parent could ever ask for when it comes to their child’s education. We had the chance to speak with Kristy Creel and Susan Pion, Vice President of the Preschool, and what we learned was that the Boonshoft Preschool is one of Dayton’s best kept secrets.
The Boonshoft Preschool is something that you as a parent should consider checking out before you make a final decision on where you plan to send your children. Why? Boonshoft Preschool is the total package.
It’s a 90,000 square foot science and technology museum, and it’s also a 6,000 square foot zoo.
You can experience the planetarium which is the only kind in this region, and you can check out the river otters, bobcats, and the rainforest environment where you will find more unique creatures. This zoo is about adaptation, and exposing the children to new things, which is what learning is all about, right?
The preschool portion is where the latest and greatest comes together to give your child a rich learning experience. The method of learning for this preschool is top notch, with a combination of Montessori and Reggio Amelia combined.
There are many years of thought behind this preschool, and it’s being built stronger every day on collaborative efforts by Susan Pion, Vice President of Boonshoft Preschool. Susan works directly with the Smithsonian as well as the Opal School, which have some of the most brilliant minds on staff.
Now, if that isn’t a great effort to grow a great school, I don’t know what is!
Chatting with Susan Pion was a pleasure, and it really gave me a deep inside look at what makes this preschool so great. Susan is dedicated to networking with other great educators, and those she has made connections with in the field of science too.
Susan Pion has her Masters in Education, with a degree in Biology. Those of you don’t know, this is unusual for a Montessori school. The head teacher here at the Boonshoft Preschool has her degree in education, and she is certified by the State of Ohio. You can be assured that those who are involved in educating your children are fully qualified to do so, and all have passed background checks first!
As many of you know, Montessori encourages children to learn at their own pace, and to do so through creative means. The Reggio Amelia method of teaching is a great method to marry to Montessori in that it helps children learn through dialogue. Children don’t learn like we do as adults, and that is why this is so important.
Children can speak over 100 languages which will give you a glimpse into how bright they really are. They are inquisitive, ask questions, and they express with emotion. Why would we want to stifle that?
Boonshoft Preschool uses these methods that enable children to learn through dance, music, art, clay, paint, and more so that they can build a story to communicate what they are feeling and learning.
How wonderful that they can participate no matter how they choose to communicate! You can learn more about this method when you visit www.narea.com, which defines how important this method is, and why Booshoft Preschool chooses to use it.
Susan Pion made it clear that they are so blessed to have many experts on staff that are pioneers in science and technology, and the environment with the museum gives them an extensive classroom to draw from that gets children excited about learning.
Now that you have a better picture of the Boonshoft Preschool, aren’t you encouraged to want to see this place? I know we were as we spoke with Kristy Creel and Susan Pion, because we had no idea that the preschool was around.
As it turns out, this has been around for 9 years, but the preschool was part-time for 7 years, and has been a full-time, growing entity for the past two years. This is why you really should head out to the Open House on Saturday, May 19th to meet with these wonderful experts, along with Susan Pion and Kristy Creely, so that you can experience what this preschool is all about!
It’s been proven that children that attend this school are more likely to get involved in programs at the museum, which gives your children something to encourage them to learn while making it fun. Right now, more than ever, children are at the height of their learning when in preschool!
You can come out and meet everyone, explore the museum and preschool this Saturday, May 19th between the hours of 1:00-3:00 p.m. For more information, you can contact them at 937-275-7431, and you may visit the website at boonshoftmuseum.org.
Links & Tags
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
