Boston Children's Museum Emphasizing The Power Of Play
BOSTON (CBS) - She's only five-years-old but little Emma Otieno knows exactly what she wants to do with her life. "My favorite subject is helping people. I want to be a nurse," Emma said. Emma was at Boston Children's Museum on Friday with her mother.
She spent the day checking her pulse and playing with friends. "Having the hands on manipulating of things helps kids to learn quicker," Angie Otieno said.
On Friday just a few blocks away at the Federal Reserve Bank, doctors, teachers, policymakers and business leaders put their collective heads together at an Early Childhood Summit. Spearheaded by Boston Children's Museum 100th birthday, they're looking for a way to level the playing field so all kids in the state can have an equal learning opportunity.
"For children living under stressful circumstances, they have difficulties paying attention and completing the work. It's not about motivation but their learning has been disrupted by their environment," Dr. Jack Shonkoff said.
Boston Children's Musuem CEO Carole Charnow said brain building at an early age is key for good education. "We are looking at the whole spectrum from health, education and support for parents," Charnow said.
Emma appears to enjoy the museum because of the hands on learning experience. "I am helping my mommy right now," Emma said with a smile on her face as she checked her pulse for the fifth time.
