Professional Development

Young children ask complicated questions all the time – of teachers, staff, families/caregivers, community leaders, and any adult with whom the child has developed a trusting relationship. 

Maureen Leary (National Postal Museum), Julia Smith (Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center), and Emily Porter (National Zoo) explore why children ask questions about sensitive subjects and share strategies and resources for responding.

What do curiosity and wonder look like in our classrooms? How can you drive learning through curiosity for preschoolers? What about infants and toddlers?

Ann Caspari (National Air and Space Museum) and Julia Smith (Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center) explore these topics and introduce a world of amazing resources from the Smithsonian Institution to inspire young learners.

Gain a host of tools and resources for answering young children’s questions about sensitive topics.

This is an interactive e-learning course designed to be taken at your own pace. 

(One PD credit hour; participants must create an account on the NHSA Academy learning management system to receive certification.)

Explore why curiosity and wonder are at the core of learning in early childhood and discover ways to make your classroom environment a playground for curious minds. 

This is an interactive e-learning course designed to be taken at your own pace. 

(One PD credit hour; participants must create an account on the NHSA Academy learning management system to receive certification.)

Pinky Jackalope takes your students and families on a treasure hunt through the Smithsonian! Solve the clues to reveal a new treasure that lives at a different Smithsonian museum, then use the prompts to discover treasures in your own home or classroom.

We've expanded Pinky's Smithsonian Treasure Hunt with special "teacher treasures!" Smithsonian early learning experts share some of their favorite teaching strategies inspired by the treasure hunt items that you can implement in your classroom!