Rosie Hymerling, a retired Haddonfield kindergarten teacher who taught in the area for 40 years, volunteers to lead the discussions.
"This is my opportunity to give back to society, and a great opportunity to educate teachers," she said. "I love it."
Other presentations Wednesday included how to make rain sticks from postal tubes, rice, and beans, and how to shape coffee filters and pipe cleaners into butterflies.
Margie McGlynn-Haugh of Marlton, a kindergarten teacher at St. Cecilia Elementary School in Philadelphia, recommended using St. Patrick's Day and its associated color as a way to encourage children to eat green vegetables.
"The people here are so nice, and I like coming because you have to constantly keep up, no matter how seasoned you are," McGlynn-Haugh said.
Public school teachers who attend the workshops receive two credits toward their state-required professional-development hours, but, according to Hymerling, that is rarely their primary motivation for attending.
"Many of these teachers teach at private schools or parochial schools," Hymerling said. "Teachers are here because they want to be here, not because they have to."
Museum director Kelly Lyons welcomes the collaboration with teachers, which has taken place for the last five years.
"We love to share our knowledge of how children learn with teachers and create dynamic classrooms like our dynamic exhibits," Lyons said.
Next month's themed workshop - "Hip Hop Holiday" - is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 7.
Contact staff writer Bobby Olivier at 856-779-3990 or olivier@phillynews.com.
