Children's Interpretation: A Discovery Book for Interpreters

Machlis, Gary; McDonough, Maureen

Traditionally, children have been part of the interpreter's audience. They seem always present in the front row during an evening campfire and right behind us on our guided walks and tours. Interpretation for children is nothing new, yet this guide is called a "discovery book" for interpreters. What is it, then, that we have discovered?Basically, it is the realization that "children" is perhaps too broad and general a term for the modern interpreter. Diversity is a key characteristic of park visitors and interpretive audiences and this is especially true of the visitor group known as children. The purpose of this guide is to sharewith you information about children and to look at this information through the eyes of an interpreter. Much literature is available on child psychology and child development, but what does this information mean for interpreters who work with children and how can it be incorporated into the interpretive planning process? Our method will be to discuss a conceptual approach for better understanding children and some of their behavior. Following this, you will find application of that material in several ways. Park managers and different interpreters have varying philosophies, finances and needs in regard to types of programs. Some prefer to produce materials, others programs, and others prefer a mix. Our objective is to demonstrate how a sound understanding of children can be applied to the development of all types of interpretive experiences rather than to advocate anyone approach. This is a discovery book. We hope our ideas will spark your ideas and stimulate your imagination. Children are unique and interpretation can be fun. Putting the two together in a thoughtful way can be a very rewarding experience.