Learning through Play

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. We focus on these areas together not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively. STEM is an interdisciplinary and applied approach that is coupled with hands-on, problem-based learning.

STEM IN OUR CLASSROOM

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Taking apart the piano bench, trying to fix & rebuild 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Batteries and lights, loose parts

WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
ACADEMIC LEARNING VS. INTELLECTUAL LEARNING

Dr. Lilian Katz says, “It is important to know the distinction between academic learning and intellectual learning…. and most people don’t get that.”

Academic learning
“by definition is the stuff that is clear like the alphabet, it’s no logic, it just has to be memorized… and it does have to be learned eventually.” (Lilian Katz on Bam Radio)

Intellectual Learning
“has to do with reasoning,  hypothesizing, and predicting, theorizing, and so forth and that’s natural.” 
(Lilian Katz on Bam Radio)

“You want children to learn their academic skills in the service of their intellect so when they come and say, show me how to measure this or show me how to write that because they are doing an investigation – which is an intellectually based activity and it comes so naturally to all children.”  (Lilian Katz on Bam Radio)

WHY WE DON'T DO WORKSHEETS IN PRESCHOOL

By allowing children to learn these "academic skills" within their environment and interests, they are more naturally understanding letters within words, math, science, technology, engineering and are developing socially, emotionally and cognitively. Learning through play, that has been set up to bring intentional, open-ended learning opportunities is the BEST way for children to learn and develop in their early years.

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Batteries and lights, loose parts  

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Helping Jack make it over the candlestick, with loose parts and catapults 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Tools, loose parts and toys with old machines 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Taking apart the piano bench, trying to fix & rebuild 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: cubes, incline planes, pyramid building 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: electricity conducting play dough, light circuits, batteries 

STEM OPEN-ENDED ACTIVITY: Eggs, loose parts, scale, balance board, animals, patterning eggs, fencing pieces