05 Jun Preschoolers in the Park

Hello all, it’s my third week into my internship and my brain is packed with information on Salem. Starting in July, the project I am assigned to, Preschoolers in the Park will begin. This is a bilingual (Spanish-English) program offered to the communities of Salem and Saugus for children and their families to participate in active experiences connecting to the historic and natural resources of Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Sites. Other components of this program include science, math, literacy and art to engage children in academics. 

In the meantime, while Preschoolers in the Park hasn’t started, I’ve begun reading programs from last year and books about the history of Salem and Saugus. I’ve also started developing my own programs which differ from last year’s program by having more of a science component rather than historic. Some topics from last year’s program include archeology, art and murals. This year I want to incorporate as much science into the programs to help children gain an interest in STEM or just be exposed to it. Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site has a great geological history and natural environment which can easily be connected to the programs. I will be working alongside two Education Rangers, Tim and Carol who will co-present and co-develop the programs and my site supervisor, Maryann. I look forward to presenting my ideas and getting to share them with my team.

Another component of this project is helping to increase the park connection to the Latinx community by connecting with Salem Community Child Care Center which is located in a predominantly Dominican neighborhood. I will also be connecting with community organizations to continue building a relationship with the Park and the community of Salem. Bringing diversity to the park and being inclusive definitely plays a big role in Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Sites.