2nd Week at Explora + Story Time at the National Hispanic Cultural Center: Marilyn Upchurch

My second week at Explora was full of surprises. I realized while working here you truly learn something new each and every day. I meet new co workers all the time who are all so kind and helpful and I love knowing that I have been able to make a difference in kids lives.

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On Monday I helped with another group tour and yes it went a lot better this time, I think I am getting the hang of it. The hardest part is time management and keeping the whole group together. The groups can range from 1 hour to 2 hours so I have made a schedule on how to move from section to section so that the guests can see the most of Explora! You also have to coordinate with other group leaders because we do not want 2 big groups in the same area at once. After the group I helped around the office and started working on getting supplies ready for one of next weeks classes.
Tuesday I took out 2 groups that were both 2 hours long and then worked around the office.
Wednesday I went on another outreach. I had to meet the educator at 6 am at Explora. We went to a school in Santa Fe that had wanted to bring their students to the actual museum but for some reason were unable to. Explora decided to bring the museum to them! We did a family community science program which is basically like bringing a mini Explora to set up at the site. We set up in their library where many kids came and told us that they want to visit explora now.
Thursday I did two groups again! The first I worked with 4-6 year olds and the second one was middle school aged. At 6 pm Thursday night I had my community outreach story time at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were having another event that night where they had different latino foods and music! It was very fun and everyone felt like familia! At 6:30 they had all the kids meet me in the other room to listen to the storytelling. I had fun talking with the kids and asking them questions like if any of them play an instrument, if they can pat a beat on the floor, etc. Just about 8 kids and 5 adults showed up. They had me set up in the middle of the other room earlier that night for the activities. By doing this more people showed up with their kids and more people would come up and ask questions about the Smithsonian Latino Center Young Ambassadors Program. The kids had the little booklets and the drum making to work on. I had bought different small tin buckets and stickers for the kids to make some music! The Cultural Center shared with me that the author of Drum Dream Girl had been to the museum not too long ago. How cool! I also wanted to share how I work with Rocio (Yap 2017) at Explora. We had met prior to the story time and see each other at work but never really have the time to talk. She came to help me at the story time and I am so glad we were able to spend some time with each other!
Friday I helped finish setting up the supplies for one of the classes next week which included making special bubble solution.
This week was very special because I was able to help even more kids in my community explore! I also made new friends this week including Rocio and other educators at explora all thanks to the Young Ambassadors Program! I have 2 more weeks and I am so excited for what is to come.

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