STEM Challenges in the Classroom (KA & KB)

This year, the Kiddos will be presented with many STEM challenges in our K classroom. Children in their earliest years engage with the world in ways that can promote learning related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Research has shown, the earlier we begin to guide and support children’s wonders about the world, the more successful they will be in these areas. To be successful in the modern 21^st century world, students need to learn how to innovate and collaborate. It is becoming increasingly obvious that a strong foundation in developmentally appropriate, inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) will enhance these capabilities. STEM provides a way to integrate knowledge across disciplines, encouraging children to think in a more connected and holistic manner. 

This week, we had a blast learning the felt board finger play, 'Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate". In our STEM/Makerspace area, the Kiddos were tasked with the challenge to create a gate that could hold 5 pumpkins of varying sizes. A variety of wooden loose parts were provided and the Kiddos had to think, plan, experiment, reflect and revise many different strategies in order to succeed with this task. I was blown away by the sustained attention and perseverance of many of the Kiddos. Here is a quick look at some of the gates!

KA

KB