Sunday, February 3, 2008

Primordial Education









Jack had his first visit to U-M's Exhibit Museum of Natural History, the first of many, many, many visits as I expose him to the great fossils of ancient megafauna, the rich diversity of Michigan wildlife, the dynamic histories of the many peoples who have lived in our state and of course, the origins of life and evolution.

The museum has always had an excellent collection of display cabinets and uses as many actual fossils as possible. Additionally, this museum has opted not to cut down on the informational content in their displays as many museums have done in recent years to streamline displays and theoretically boost attendance, that is, to make a musuem less museum and more amusement park, but I digress.




I fully envision Jack's 5th birthday celebration to be in this institution, complete with an excursion into the research lab. Everyone remember to bring their lab coats.


We have a little brain to shape, afterall.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"Connections" I find Jack's development of connections and reactions with his world fascinating. He actively seeking more inputs. I notce when he takes his bottles that he is multitasking like sucking but also using his other hand for blind tactile inputs. The other hand will be below him but still he is touching/graping/pushing objects for more input. Of course, anything he can touch he will attempt to pull into his mouth for that all important "taste test", like a true scientist conducting a full experiment.

When I first greet Jack, I use a smile or friendly hello to make a connection. He will just go "heh !" with no more continued laughing which let you know he has acknowledged your presence (kind-of-like a head nod), so it is a very simple delightful connection.

On Friday,I saw him navigate a 'star' shaped cracker into to his mouth, no simple dexterity feat but he did fine with Grandma's help. frien

We are all enjoying this early growth, love, Grandpa Robichaud