International Festival of Attention-Grabbers – UK & US – Part II

Pam Hartley, VP of Play Experience at Marbles Kids’ Museum, displays some of the museum’s educational resources in front of her extensive calendar.

Mid-Week Focus is wearing two hats this week…offering Part II of International Festival of Attention-Grabbers – UK & US.

Pam Hartley is at center stage. She’s a planner. Pam serves as Vice President of Play Experience at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina (US).

Pam has been with Marbles since it opened its doors six years ago. In its first five years, this innovative children’s museum welcomed over 2.5 million visitors from across the US.

Teachers anywhere in the world with online access can visit Marbles virtually at Marbles Kids Museum to access photos, program details, and exhibit descriptions that can be applied to their own teaching strategies.

“Marbles,” says Pam proudly, “has become one of the most popular learning destinations in North Carolina.” Pam’s connection with the “Tarheel State” began when she was in third grade. That’s when she moved to Andrews, a small town in the mountains. Pam lived in Andrews during the school year, but spent summers with her dad in Leeds, England, where she was born.

Pam’s multi-cultural ties, interests, and experience are assets in her work at Marbles. As Pam explains, (touring the museum) “gives pre-schoolers and students the opportunity to develop (awareness of the world and) vital skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, innovation and collaboration through PLAY.”

PLAY is Marbles way! Feedback from educators, parents, and grandparents is fabulous. Anyone looking for new ways to spark learning will find it exploring Marbles’ colorful museum exhibits, floors, walls, halls and winding stairs. Ready for the tour to continue… (more…)