Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – often abbreviated to STEM – might not be the first subjects that spring to mind when you think of early childhood education. But the building blocks of all learning are laid during these formative years, and early development through the neuroscience of play has a significant impact on future interests.
There are many wonderful ways that early childhood educators and caregivers can introduce big ideas to young minds. Not only are these fun, but they create the foundations for problem-solving skills, build curiosity and help prepare children for the transition to the more structured learning of primary school and beyond.
Examples of STEM in early childhood include activities like:
Building blocks
Yes, many an architect has had their interest piqued at a young age from this all-time favourite activity - making structures from building blocks. Some of the skills this helps hone include:
- Problem-solving: Why did that tower fall when another block was added?
- Fine motor skills: Handling and manipulating the blocks and putting them in place.
- Early mathematical skills: Learning about different sizes and shapes of blocks, as well as discovering how one shape can fit on or next to another.
Nature walks
Another timeless classic, every child adores discovering the natural world. All it takes is a little outdoor space, a magnifying glass, maybe a couple of bug jars and an identification chart. Biology, ecology, environmental science and more are at the root of this fun adventure, and who can fail to be charmed by the joy of a child finding a worm or bug to identify. Plus, freeing their finds after they’ve been evaluated also plays a role in encouraging empathy and understanding of all living things.
Magical magnets
This one definitely needs constant supervision, but playing with magnets and different materials to see what is attracted and what isn’t is a sure-fire way to captivate attention. It introduces the basic principles of magnetism and an understanding of different classifications of materials. You might encourage the child to predict whether they think a certain thing is magnetic or not before it’s brought close to the magnet, and then you can discuss the result.
Seeds and plant cultivation
This will, naturally, take place over the slightly longer term, but it introduces a realm of different scientific and natural world elements. Children get to plant, water and care for their seeds. Watching them germinate and grow into plants introduces a wealth of different aspects, such as lifecycles, a duty of care for living things and even subjects such as food and nutrition, should you choose to grow something that either the child or an animal can eventually eat.
Sink or float
Children and water is something that they’ll never tire of, and there are so many aspects of water-based play that introduce many scientific subjects. Predicting and discovering what objects float and which sink isn’t just great fun to do, it also begins an understanding of the properties of the water itself and the materials you place in it. Add in some cups or jugs to increase or remove liquid and you’re also adding in the basics of measurements, volume and fluid dynamics too.
Shadow play
We can all make the classic bunny with our fingers, and this is a great start to introduce children to the concept of light, dark and light interaction. It only requires a lamp and a light-coloured wall or surface, and you and the child can experiment with using your hands or other objects to make shadows. Watch how they change as you move them in front of the light and discover how certain hand placements translate into different shapes introduces the basics, as well as promoting fine motor skills and creativity.
As you can see, none of these play-based activities are new, but they provide caregivers and educators with a different take on what they are actually teaching. Early STEM education helps prep children for life, laying solid foundations for reasoning, adaptability, attention and resilience. Indeed, prime early education methods, like Reggio Emilia and the development of critical thinking utilise a whole host of STEM-based learning, all of which naturally intertwine the introduction of these big ideas into regular daily routines.
At Evoke Early Learning, our childcare philosophy is wholly centred around providing our children with the environment, care and activities that equip them with the skills they need for future success. From STEM-based fun to our acclaimed Reggio Emilia Approach curriculum, we’d love to demonstrate our talented team in action.
Book a tour today at either our Albert Park or Clayton locations.
Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
