Preschool is a crucial stage in a child’s development when they begin to explore concepts and ideas on a basic level. At TGS, our research-based curriculum incorporates S.T.E.A.M. activities that lay a solid foundation for their future learning. S.T.E.AM. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (read more here on how it differs from S.T.E.M. learning).
Engineering is a core component of S.T.E.A.M. education for preschoolers and is important for many necessary tasks each day. Just consider the complexity of how machines work, how bridges are built, or how buildings are constructed. The S.T.E.A.M. activities that we do in our TGS classrooms can also be done at home so that you and your child can explore together! Here are a few ways to make engineering fun for your preschooler.
Take Stock and Start Building
TGS classrooms are fully equipped with engineering materials, and your home probably is, too! Take a look around for items like Legos, wooden blocks, popsicle sticks, paper towel rolls, and even paper cups or bowls. These are all things you can use for playful and fun engineering challenges. Now give your child a basket of these items and see what they can build and create.
Ask and Imagine
Talk to your child about their creation and ask them simple questions about what their design is and what purpose it may serve. You can also chat about their project before they start building to help spark their imaginations. For instance, you can ask them how tall or short their building will be, what shape it will take, what colors they might use, and who might live in their structure. Again, you’re not giving them answers, just sharing ideas and getting them talking!
Build A Bird Feeder
This is a great project with so much S.T.E.A.M. learning packed into one activity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pinecone
- Peanut Butter
- Plastic Knife
- Birdseed
- Yarn
- Scissors
- Pan or container to place birdseed in
Using the plastic knife, let them slather the peanut butter all over the pine cone and then roll it in the birdseed. Attach yarn to the top of the pine cone and hang it from a nearby tree branch. You’ll get some beautiful bird-watching opportunities for days to come!
Talk Through Mistakes and Frustrations
Whether your child is building a block tower or a bird feeder, mistakes and frustrations are likely inevitable. For example, if their tower fell before they were finished building it, ask them why they think it fell and what they could do differently to fix it. As most of us know, we can learn a lot from our mistakes, but we have to take the time to process them. Always encourage your child to keep trying when their plans don’t go as planned. After all, problem-solving is one of the core tenets of all engineering projects.
Children are capable of absorbing so much in the world around them through hands-on learning, which is why The Gardner School implements S.T.E.A.M. education in all our classrooms. To learn more about how TGS helps little minds grow, visit one of our preschools or schedule a tour.
