It’s a Bug’s World
Who runs the world? BUGS! Get hands on and discover the myriad of bug body features that have made them so successful in every environment on the planet.
Early years learning
Early years learning is an important part of the work that museums do.
Children have been a part of Museums Victoria since 1917, from the introduction of low showcases in the Children's Room, to the detailed and robust learning theory and spaces for children today.
Early learning is supported by our unique programs, experiences and galleries developed within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
The Children’s Gallery is the starting point for early years learning at Melbourne Museum.
Programs
Learning is an active process that occurs from birth and helps children in their life long development. We provide several different pre-school programs.
My Grandmother's Toy Box
Children learn about Melbourne’s history through a story about a little girl and her family toy box.
Uncovering Triceratops
Ask questions, examine fossils, and uncover what and how scientists know about dinosaurs and Triceratops.
Museums Victoria recognises the contribution and excellence in the early childhood development sector
The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery has been developed in collaboration with specialist consultants, museum learning experts and professionals.
Over the last 20 years, cognitive scientists and early learning specialists have dramatically expanded what we know about brain development and how much development occurs from birth.
Museum learning experiences are informed by the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, and the importance of child-led, social and play-based learning.
The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework
Museum experiences have a powerful impact on learning. The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) is used to support and create unique museum learning experiences.
"Research over the past few decades has revealed how the human brain is biologically primed for learning from birth." - VEYLDF, 2016 pg 2
"The early childhood period of children’s lives has a profound impact on their learning and development for the long term. From birth to eight years, children’s developing brains undergo rapid change. This is when children have the greatest opportunities to develop neural pathways for learning and are also most vulnerable to negative experiences." - VEYLDF, 2016 pg 2
"Children learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities. This includes their relationships with people, places and things and the actions and responses of others." - Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, 2011 p.20
Professional Learning
Working with specialist Kindergarten teachers, childcare leaders, playgroup coordinators, maternal child health nurses and trainee teachers.
Skills training, placements, and online resources built to mirror Early Years frameworks and curriculum. We offer workshops and special events across the year.