The interview with an Emergency Dispatcher and my two business partners

Today I got to talk with an Emergency Dispatcher from the Southern New Hampshire area about their job.  Must say, I was amazed at how intricate and busy their job is!  In the interview I learned that this person has 6 computer screens, 1 phone with about 7 phone lines, 3 two way radios, and a tower full of other radios!  Must say that I will definitely be making an Emergency Dispatcher exhibit in this museum.  Also this individual has asked me to join them at work during their shift next month, in which I gladly responded with a yes.  To see what these  people do and how it all works will be the best thing to make an accurate exhibit of this nature.

I applaud you Emergency Dispatchers, I applaud you greatly for all of the work that is done from responding to emergency calls and being able to put the right people and equipment at the site.  Thank you!

On another note, I have gained two minor business partners over the night.  One of them is a very very recently graduated Early Childcare Educator/Special Educator with a degree in Human Development, Katie Nesbitt (she has way more qualifications than I do in making a museum of this nature, but this is the exact reason I asked her to partner with me).  The other woman that will be starting her college career as an Early Childcare Educator (like myself, at the same school) is Sam Dustin.  Both of them have agreed to assist me with brainstorming, putting together data, and pretty much helping me stay on task, as well as they both agreed to be put in this blog.

That is all I have right now, I will keep you updated!  Suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and thank you for following this blog!!!

Achievement Boards, Interview, and Window Shopping

I have been trying to get myself organized lately.  Went to Staples and Michael's for office and "Achievements" board supplies.  Must say with the vibrant green paperboard and bright pink post-it notes, its a pretty fancy smancy looking board!

My Achievement Board

Other things I have been organizing is the paperwork I am beginning to print out.  I am starting to print out packets that focus on each exhibit.  Have my plain white binder from the dump, and starting to fill it up with all those goodies!

In each packet I focus on gross motor skills, stimulation, educational atmosphere, and individual class focuses.  At the moment I have finished the Grocer Industry, Food Industry, and Waste Management Industry packets.  Still got a ton to do. Even though I know I need to do revisions on all the packets I make because I know that my information will change, I will have interviewed people in particular fields, and wording plainly will be needing to change.  I just wonder how many revisions I will be making?

I have an interview with an Emergency Dispatcher tomorrow which will help me with the Hospital, Fire Department, and Police Depart exhibits!  Definitely excited since I really haven't finished writing any packets for those jobs yet.  

At the moment I have changed my mindset from packets to focusing on brainstorming what items would be needed for each exhibit and Googled online how much those items would cost.  Window shopping is so much fun!  Didn't realize how cute the Giant Microbes can be! (thinking of using them in the Hospital exhibit)  Not sure what businesses would donate what, but I guess its good to have a list of prices just in case I have to begin accumulating items.

That is it for now.  Will update later!!!

My name is Merridith Engelhardt; and I have a dream

My name is Merridith Engelhardt; and I have a dream.  My dream is to open a children's museum, not just any children's museum but a museum devoted to occupations.  What adults do for work.  I have worked with so many kids with so many questions as to what adults do for work.  I have played dress up, restaurant, doctor, even "dumpster picker-up-er man".

I remember as a kid going to children's museums and for hours playing in their children sized post offices and such.  The fun I had organizing and playing with the other kids.  Acting and learning about the adult world.

I want to give the kids of today answers to their curiosity about how the adult world works.

Through this blog, you can watch this museum grow and maybe even see its potential as the minutes, days, weeks, months, and years progress.  And yes I will take suggestions :)