“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
– Dr. Seuss
Welcome to summer! It is one of the most vibrant seasons in the Lowcountry and we hope you are soaking up the sun and getting in some good time at the beach! It has been a dynamic month for us at the center. Here is what we have been up to:
We would like to begin by honoring the life of our founder Reverend Isaac Wilborn, Jr.
Our friend Jevon Daly has been filling our halls with music this summer! He comes and provides music education for our Summer Saturdays program AND came and sang with our day students this month as well. The kids love singing and dancing along to his groovy tunes!
We love visits from the amazing firefighters of Hilton Head Island Fire / Rescue Station 5! We are grateful to them for coming out and teaching our kiddos about fire safety.
We are one month into Tot Trot 2023 and you all have blown us away with your support! We are at 56% of our goal with $7,910 left to raise. If you are interested in supporting one of our classrooms who are behind in meeting their goal, you can do so here:
All funds raised will be used for classroom enrichment such as reading materials, classroom supplies, and music education. Thank you for supporting our classrooms!
The Children’s Center has been selected as a top 10 finalist for the Collins Group Realty’s 200th Home Sale Commission Event! We need as many friends of The Children’s Center as possible to vote for us between now and August 31st, 2023 as the winner will be chosen by public voting. Feel free to invite family members and friends to vote as well! We appreciate your support!
STEM In Early Childhood Education
Preschool education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s development and setting the stage for future learning. While traditional preschool curricula focus on fundamental skills like language and socialization, there is a growing recognition of the importance of integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at this early stage. STEM education in preschool not only fosters a love for discovery but also equips children with essential skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits. Here are three key benefits of incorporating STEM education in preschool:
- Nurturing Curiosity and Problem-Solving Skills: STEM education in preschool encourages children to explore, question, and experiment, fostering their innate curiosity about the world. By engaging in hands-on activities, such as building structures, conducting simple experiments, or solving puzzles, young learners develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They learn to analyze problems, make predictions, and test their ideas, cultivating a mindset of inquiry and perseverance. These early experiences lay the groundwork for future scientific exploration and problem-solving in more complex fields.
- Developing Early Math and Science Skills: STEM education in preschool provides a solid foundation for early math and science learning. Through activities like counting objects, measuring, categorizing, and observing natural phenomena, children develop a basic understanding of mathematical and scientific concepts. They learn to recognize patterns, compare and contrast objects, and make connections between cause and effect. These early experiences with math and science not only enhance cognitive skills but also foster a positive attitude towards these subjects, promoting a smoother transition to formal education.
- Fostering Collaboration and Communication: STEM education in preschool promotes collaboration and communication skills, which are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce. STEM activities often involve teamwork, encouraging children to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. By engaging in collaborative projects, children learn to listen actively, express their thoughts clearly, and respect different perspectives. These skills are vital for future academic and professional endeavors, as they enable effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to work harmoniously with others.
So, how can caregivers introduce STEM concepts to their preschool children in their everyday interactions?
- Engage in Everyday STEM Activities: Parents and guardians can introduce STEM concepts to their preschool children through simple, everyday activities that promote exploration and problem-solving. For example, while cooking together, parents can involve their children in measuring ingredients, discussing how heat changes the state of food, or observing chemical reactions. During outdoor walks or nature outings, parents can encourage their children to observe and identify different plants, insects, or animals, fostering a curiosity for biology and ecology. By incorporating these hands-on experiences into daily routines, parents can create opportunities for their preschoolers to naturally engage with STEM concepts.
- Encourage Open-Ended Play and Exploration: Providing open-ended toys and materials allows preschool children to engage in imaginative play and exploration, which inherently involve STEM concepts. Building blocks, puzzles, magnetic tiles, or even recyclable materials like cardboard boxes can be used to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills. Caregivers can pose open-ended questions to prompt critical thinking and encourage their children to experiment with different solutions. This type of play allows children to develop STEM-related skills, such as engineering, geometry, and logical reasoning while fostering a love for learning.
- Utilize STEM-Focused Resources: Parents and guardians can leverage a variety of STEM-focused resources, including books, videos, and educational apps, to introduce their preschool children to STEM concepts in an engaging and interactive manner. There are numerous age-appropriate STEM-themed storybooks that explore scientific phenomena, math concepts, or engineering principles. Educational videos and online platforms offer interactive content that introduces preschoolers to basic coding, problem-solving challenges, or science experiments. By incorporating these resources into their child’s media consumption, parents can supplement their child’s learning and reinforce STEM concepts in an enjoyable and accessible way.
In all these approaches, it is important for parents to create a supportive and encouraging environment where children feel comfortable exploring, making mistakes, and asking questions. By fostering a positive attitude towards STEM and providing opportunities for hands-on learning, parents can help their preschool children develop a strong foundation in STEM concepts and nurture their curiosity for the world around them.
Staff Spotlight
As always, we are grateful to provide the best possible early education to Lowcountry children daily, and we simply could not do it without YOU! THANK YOU to everyone who makes The Children’s Center a wonderful place to be.
Do you want to make a difference? We are looking for full-time and part-time employees! E-mail resumes to info@thechildrenscenter.org
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