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Old 01-06-2007, 06:21 PM
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wavelandscott (Scott)
Plays well with others!

wavelandscott is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ridgefield CT USA
Posts: 3,535
I have had a few chances at the talking to kids group thing and would offer this advice...

I am assuming that you are doing this at night...

#1 Have fun and show them that you are enjoying sharing something that you love (enjoy) with them...that spirit and attitude will spread!

#2 Keep it simple...but not too simple. Kids know a lot more then we often give them credit for.

#3 Pick a few things and do them well...moon, a planet and a double star...Faint DSOs are tough for kids.

#4 Be ready (mentally/emotionally) for someone to touch your precious eyepieces...you might think about leaving your TV or Pentax in your case...so be ready to clean your gear well afterwards.

#5 Make sure to ask the kids to describe what they are seeing...this does two things...it tells them that you are interested in their comments and opinions but will also tell you if you need to refocus/adjust your scope.

#6 Make sure you have a stable stool or step especially for younger kids...be ready to hold their hands as you step them up otherwise they will grab your scope for balance...

#7 Insist (nicely) that parents stick around with their kids...young kids running around in the dark can be a dangerous recipe...

Good luck!

It is a good thing you are doing!
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