STEM in Session

What is STEM?

Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics


  STEM is a learning with a concentration in these four areas.  It's a program used in all areas and levels of education.  My kids because they are younger enjoy this program at their library.

  The STEM program at the library starts out with a book that will give a preview of what will be learned that day.

The kids were able to experience snow, cold and winter in this STEM event.

We measured each other with mittens.

Made igloos or snow castles out of foam blocks and shaving cream.

A sensory bin is always present.  It's a big hit with my kids.

I like the endless possibilities that can be used in a sensory bin! This one used rice and had a scale for the kids to play with.

The science of ice and salt impressed my son.

His expression is priceless!  

Do your kids like Science or Math?  Do you enhance their love or learning of either?

School with Letter I

  So my printer is on the blitz.  I hate how every few years it seems I need a new one.  So when this happens we have to really take advantage of workbooks, chalkboards, and dry erase boards.  I even found some old sheets I had used with my daughter that were in sheet protectors.

  

  Although I put his letter of the week on his desk we still work on a variety of areas daily.  He learns numbers, as well as math.

  Of course a little tablet or computer time in addition to books, puzzles, crafts and other hands on activities helps pass the time and aid in fun learning.

Take a look at that first picture.  Do you see the ice cubes?  We played Don't Break The Ice! 

In addition to the ice game we played Cooties because cooties are insects!

I spy was played as well.  Some of these were really hard to find but he showed a great persistence in looking.

This worksheet had him coloring leaves based on some of his sight words.

We attempted to make an igloo with mini marshmallows.

I made an island for him but to my disappointment it wasn't not met with much enthusiasm.  It was yogurt I had dyed blue which he didn't care for, nor did he care for the mound of brown sugar.  I don't know what's wrong with that boy.

Lastly, we made ice cream!  He didn't quite follow through with all the necessary shaking but, he did appreciate this snack!

  My biggest struggle for letter I week was books.  On my hunt to find books this week I found there not to be a big selection.  So a lot of books had I this, or I that but only a few exact words. Ice cream, insects and a couple specific names.

So glad letter I is over.  Just before the local ice rinks opened so we will make a special trip to those.

School with Letter A

  This week started school for everyone here! My last child here is working on kindergarten grade level.  He was not real receptive last year but, this year has started out much better.  He's asking more questions, and repeating the correct answer when asked.  He's eager to learn and excited for more class.

  This week we learned the letter A.  He has had school on and off for the past couple years but each year it just starts over. So he has studied everything before but, at different levels, with different worksheets and less time.

  Each day we start with the desk.

The desk has 2 letter A titled books in addition to other items pertaining to the specific letter.

We take time outside to play and learn as well.  Writing the letter in dirt and using sticks impressed him.

Each day I subjected him to walks.  This is our PE/quiet/mommy and me/exploration time.  This go around was his second trip so I allowed the scooter. He doesn't like to walk and I want him to find peace in it.  Enjoy nature, get some fresh air and slow down and see things.  I will have you know this was day 1 and he took his father and sister on two separate trips around the block to show them all the A's! (Insert proud mommy smile here)

Some of our books gave us an excuse to get outside.

The Magic Acorn by Maggie Stern was about a special acorn. 

We went on a walk to gather our own acorns.

Our acorn hunt was successful.  This hunt gave us a hands on A experience, and a touch of science!  We checked our math by counting the acorns and touched a little science too in that we planted an acorn! 

Apple trees made out of playdoh!  Then with the help of a roll of dice we picked apples off and put them back on the tree. Hello math again!

After you spend a few days identifying it's time to write! So we practiced writing upper and lowercase a's. 

A workbook helps with more handwriting practice.  The pages are from various websites with requiring different tasks. Tracing, letter search, name writing and circling the correct numbers.

  In the past I tried to incorporate snacks into the day and I continued this year by having fun with food in some way. Applesauce was not received well but these two A's brought a smile!

Yesterday was his favorite as he had to run from number to number and complete a different task. He picked apples and had to transport them! 

My favorite was his ax and arrow tattoos! I though to myself hey its even on his arm! Ha win for me!!

Lastly our play time outside today involved air!

This was my first time with the sock bubble but, I should have made two because once my daughter saw it they couldn't switch off quick enough for the other to have a turn.

Well there's our one week of A's. I have a couple crafts I will be sharing in a separate post pertaining to the letter A.  I hope you enjoyed a peek in our day.  I haven't figured out if we will do weekly or daily letters.  We shall see as we go along but, we will actively learn and have fun everyday!

A is for angry!

Letter F preschool

  This week little man was learning the letter F.  F is a fun letter.  It makes you describe just as many things as you can find beginning with that letter.  For example f is for fun and food.  So that leads to everything!

This activity has him follow the phrase I read to him and circle the F's.

A basic math sheet.  He is able to count the objects and circle he appropriate number.

He likes to use the dot makers.  For this activity I try to encourage him to make contact with all circles.  So a slow deliberate movement is involved here.

F is for fingerprints.  A ink pad and the letter f!

This is the first page of his workbook.  It changes with each letter but offers a image to trace and  few of the upper and lower case letters to trace.

This was a first for us with this type of worksheet.  Numbers 1-6 with 6 different colors.  He had to color the number the appropriate color.  Of course he cant read the color but, he can identify the numbers.

Lastly was our Frankenstein craft! Super easy craft, seasonal fun and used with all supplies I had on hand.

Letter F is finished and its time for a new letter next week.

This Post Does Not Contain Coffee

 Wordless Wednesday..... my post with less words and more pictures reflects a day out with my daughter.  We were picking up a treat, having fun and using math!

  Mommy had has found a new guilty pleasure.  You all already know about my love of pumpkin, but I also love the price of saving.  Wawa I have decided is the best spot to grab my liquid pumpkin.  Best price thrown into the mix makes it the pit stop when we run errands.

 Baby girl is choosing hot chocolate today.  Normally her drink of choice is chocolate milk but she likes to change it up.

 Wawa has all these shakers to top off your drink how fun is that?  Ahh, more marshmallows please!

 You want it you buy it.  Exact change only because when you indulge you stay on top of promos right down to the tax.

Thank you and have a nice day because now with some warm chocolate in my tummy this is the best day ever!

Thank you for reading!

Check out wawa the next time it's not just about the gas! They have a huge variety of food selections as well as a hot to go made to order section.