Making SENSE of the Vision

by Douglas B. Caywood

As a husband, a dad, a farmer, an architect, and a teacher, I have had a lot of experience observing how children learn and retain information. Whether it is a dad teaching a toddler something for the first time, an architect designing an interactive and educational learning space, or a teacher exploring a new curriculum standard with a classroom of students, the key is being interactive.

What do I mean by interactive? The MerriamWebster Dictionary definition of interactive is mutually or reciprocally active or involving the actions or input of a user. Enhancing the actions and input of these users is achieved by focusing on the five senses—seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. As we teach, a child can comprehend and retain when the most senses are affected through a teaching method.

This concept is seen implemented most clearly in a discovery museum or children’s museum atmosphere. Museum exhibit designers use state curriculum standards as a basis of design and explore how each of the senses can be engaged to assist users in learning through fun and interactive ways.

Trek Thru Truth (TTT) is using this concept in the development of our region’s emerging children’s museum. The design team is exploring the 52 Biblical accounts that will be featured in this facility in new and exciting ways. During Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible Schools, churches engage children in Biblical accounts and life applications. However, these opportunities are restricted by limited resources, research, manipulatives, and technology. To have a dedicated 60,000 square foot facility that is accessible all year and is dedicated to interactive exhibits using art, music, drama, and technology is phenomenal.

On September 17, 2022, Trek Thru Truth will hold its 2022 Annual Gala, themed— “Making SENSE of the Vision.” Guests will learn more about the interactivity of the exhibits by focusing on the five SENSES and how the state curriculum standards will be incorporated into the exhibits. For more information on how to purchase tickets for the Gala, how to donate items for the Silent Auction, or how to become a sponsor for this event, please email dcaywood@trekthrutruth.com. Also, stay tuned between now and the Gala as the www.trekthrutruth.com website is totally reimagined.