Project Title:  Interactive storytelling  

Museum/ Institution: Discover Children's Story Center  

Program Created:  Storytelling through role play 

Program URLhttp://www.discover.org.uk/   

Project Image(s) and/or Video:  http://www.discover.org.uk/

Media Source(s)/Credit(s):  http://www.exhibitfiles.org/

Program Description: 

The Discover Children’s Story Center in Stratford UK brings together role play, imaginative and fantasy play, dress up and prop play. Although not having the opportunity to visit this museum the design concept will encourage parent-child interaction. The multisensory installations and exhibitions are designed with both children and adults in mind to create curiosity and creativity in a magical and stimulating environment.  By offering a unique environment that brings parent-child interaction this museum is set apart from other Children’s museums.

The interactive exhibits provide basic needs of both adults and children as a social unit through a well-designed learning environment.  The environment appears playful rather than childish, fun and exciting with integrated learning for both adults and kids. With interactives kids and adults engage in role play that integrates learning that is appropriate for kids and adults. Using graphic communication adults will read aloud drawing attention to things kids are doing and what they have achieved. By using communication adults can celebrate their children’s achievements.  

(150-250 words)

Firsthand or secondary review/critique: 

This was a firsthand exhibit review by Justine Roberts where she visited “Discover Children’s Story Center. After checking out the website and what the center has to offer I felt she did a wonderful job reviewing the center. She had some interesting photos with descriptive observation for each area exhibit. Her review was accurate with what can be found on the website and what to expect when visiting the museum. She is able to give a brief but helpful review to people who want to  share an experience with their kids in a museum setting.    

She does point out a few glitches in the exhibit such as an iconic character that is supposed to be a guide but falls short of its designed roll. The aesthetic environmental described by Roberts provided the reader with a feel for what they may experience in the museum. She points out that this small museum is a step above other children’s museum with the ability to encourage parent-child interaction.

I liked the fact that she included elements that build on a social unit for parents and kids using and a lot of pictures to illustrate her findings.

(150-250 words) 

Technologies incorporated: An exploration area with colored lights spinning on the floor and music. A lookout area at the top of a climbing space has  lenses for looking back down at the world. One exhibit has letters in the floor of the forest. Step on them to hear water sounds. A simple way to make the landscape interactive and responsive.

Internally or externally produced: Externally

Entry Contributor and Date: Justine Roberts, January 18, 2011

Related projects:  

• "Emerging Trends in Children's Museums: Types of Play."   Informal Learning ReviewApril 2010