The STEAM station materials that arrive in our monthly curriculum subscription from Experience Preschool are so helpful and come with labels, inspiration photos, "big questions" and relate directly to the monthly/weekly/daily/theme or topic. I find them to be another way to deepen the children's learning of the topic being discussed and as a way to reach all types of learners. The children have come to expect something new and exciting to be set up each day. As a busy director and teacher, I appreciate all of the resources this curriculum provides. During our Weather and Seasons theme, we explored the inside of gourds. Whenever I place a new item or activity out, I have our class meet as a group to discuss it, physically manipulate it, and identify proper use of the materials. There are 35 skills embedded in the curriculum, and the focus skills, are outlined in the Teacher's Guide. I keep the focus skills in mind as I present the activity. For example, the "Big Question" was "Where do seeds come from?" {Focus skill: SCI 2 Natural and Earth Science, Benchmark 4 (Preschool): Demonstrates an understanding that all people have needs. Identifies if an object can grow, eat, or move. Identifies the climate and weather in the immediate environment.} In our discussion, C. was able to identify the gourd/squash as an Acorn Squash, and she shared her knowledge of growing them with her mom. She shared how they planted the seeds, how they cared for them, and so on. We love this sort of interaction! We all learn from rich, experience-based discussions. I invited the children to touch the inside of the squash and feel the flesh and seeds. Some children were eager to touch it and used great descriptive words such as soft, slimy, cold, hard, squishy, wet. Others were not sure, and so they were encouraged to perhaps explore it on their own at the table later. Vocabulary words: gourd, summer, flesh, skin, pulp, seeds, tweezers, counting, hard, soft, sun, water, soil. Once the introduction was over, I placed the gourd on the discovery table along with tweezers, a plate, a Counting Seeds chart, and labels. I told the children they could use the tweezers to remove the seeds. Young children need practice using their small muscles and this activity provides that in a meaningful way. {Focus Skill: Physical Development 2, Fine Motor (Benchmark 4 Preschool): Manipulates objects with hands doing different things. Snips with scissors. Begins to string large beads.} Included in this week's materials: items to complete 4 lesson plans each day in addition to a STEAM kit: 5 Big Questions signs, 7 inspiration photos, links to videos, 14 supply labels, and teacher tips to set-up five inquiry-based STEAM stations for children ages 3-9. I hope you enjoyed exploring gourds and seeds with us!
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AuthorSheila Anderson has over 25 years experience in the Early Childhood Field and still loves going to "school" everyday. Archives
January 2022
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