During the month of January, the children in Toddler 2 engaged in various STEM activities that challenged their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
STEM experiences increase innovative thinking, inspire creativity and ingenuity as well as foster collaboration and communication. One of the experiences that took place utilized colourful popsicle sticks and Velcro! The children explored these materials in small groups as they created various shapes and structures. These popsicle sticks were able to stick together and connect to one another with the Velcro stickers that were placed on each end. The possibilities of what could be created were endless! The toddlers investigated the Velcro sticks as they identified the colour and shapes that they recognized. Millie and Mackenzie both identified the “square” shape. Lincoln identified the colour “purple”.
The toddlers shared their thoughts, ideas and discoveries with their educators and peers throughout the experience. The children also really enjoyed pulling the sticks apart as we learned that it made a funny sound!
Overall this experience strengthened the children’s fine motor abilities as well as nurtured their imagination and natural curiosity.
