We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Hi #ECEchat Heidi here, #EarlyEd District Program Administrator in North, TX. I'm passionate about all things #PreK, leadership, #CodingInPk & #STEAM in the Early Years!
Anna, #Nature PreK teacher in Prior Lake, MN. Work for an E (Environmental Education)-STEM School district, teach grad course on Intro to STEAM in Early Childhood. So I am definitely excited for tonight's topic! :) #ECEchat
Q1: STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. Why are the early years a perfect time to expose & immerse students in #STEAM experiences and what are the benefits for young learners? #ECEchat
A1. "Concepts at the heart of STEM—curiosity, creativity, collaboration & critical thinking—are in demand & also happen to be innate in young children.” via STEM Education Must Start in Early Childhood https://t.co/GZRm88vM9Y@educationweek#ECEchat
A1: It is never too early to begin nurturing students creativity and sparking innovation. STEAM in the early years mimics play which is how young children learn best. #ECEchat
A1: Ss in the primary grades are intrinsically motivated to learn; it's the perfect way for Ts to harness their enthusiasm with authentic learning experiences #ecechat
A1. Setting the standard early for enriching experiences that tap into multiple content areas is critical for capturing student sparks and interests. #ECEChat
Q1: STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. Why are the early years a perfect time to expose & immerse students in #STEAM experiences and what are the benefits for young learners? #ECEchat
A1. Because Ss (all Ss, but especially our earliest learners), learn best through meaningful, authentic and hands-on learning. Learning happens through experiences that integrate skills/subjects. And play is a perfect vehicle for making this happen! #ECEChat
A1: Tapping into young learners natural curiousity about the world around them makes #STEAM easy in #earlyed...& playful experienes leave lasting impressions! #ECEchat
A1: One word...CURIOSITY! Our young minds are innately curious and what a perfect window to engage those minds in exploring, discovering, creating, tinkering. #ECEchat
A1 It sets the foundation for learning that is higher order thinking, problem solving and collaborating with peers. My hope is that our littles will continue with opportunities in K-5 #ecechat
A1 Young learners crave exploration. Their curiosity guides them to test science experiments, engineer designs, record/publish with tech, and incorporate math and art into projects. #ECEchat
A1. STEAM is about allowing children to learn through hands-on, inquiry based learning. It lets their Ss questions and curiosity drive the learning. It allows for risk taking, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, not a dead end. #ECEChat
A1: STEAM is extremely hands on and I think the earlier we can get those kiddos engaged, the more passionate they will be. Kids learn best by doing. #ecechat
A1: I think it sets the tone not only for later in early education but also later in their lives. STEAM is perfect for littles because it can be achieved in almost any classroom activity #ECEChat
A1 Exposing young learners in all STEAM aspects is extremely beneficial for them to experience problem solving, SEL, fine motor skills & fun and play #ECEchat
A1: The early years are when the brain is growing and making connections, and STEAM is filled with perfect opportunities for Ss to do so! So many opps to build vocabulary, foster curiosity and investigation, teach problem solving, etc.! #ecechat
I didn't know a job like yours existed. Tell more about what you do, please. Former Biology teacher turned early childhood. I love science and fill my room with it. #ecechat
Nice! Mine are awake because I made them walk dog with me. Fresh cold air woke them up. My bad. Just trying to mAke them responsible for dog too #ecechat
A1 #STEAM is about integrating content & creating connections. Its the natural way the young learn! Why wouldn’t we provide STEAM learning for our littlest learners??? #ECEchat#TCEA18
A1: STEAM for young learners is all about problem solving. It is encouraging students to figure things out and realize the causal relationships between what they do and how things work #ECEchat
A1. STEAM is supporting Ss skill development in multiple academic areas, through hands on, inquiry based learning. Let the Ss curiosity and questions drive the learning/investigations. Let them experiment and explore. #ECEChat
A2: as @ADutke said, hands on and inquiry based! Student led is even better. Open ended to allow for Ss to explore and come to their own conclusions and aha moments throughout the process! #ecechat
A2. Looks like everything. I see Ts taking learning to play centers, outside on the playground, and making videos to show how to extend learning at home. #ECEChat
A2 well organized, purposeful lessons set up to be HANDS ON! Allows for out of the box thinking, interaction with peers and allows for mistakes and re-trials. #ecechat
A2: this is Michaelle. I teach Pre-K inclusion in Richardson ISD. Im jointing late tonight. I’m not sure it looks any different other then the kids are young. We read, write, experience and discuss. #ECEchat
A2. The outdoor environment provides students with the perfect opportunity to engage in a variety of STEAM concepts & skills. When outside, the Ss are more focused on the learning than they are the "stuff" - which is often different when in the classroom #ECEChat
A1: Young children (and everyone really) learn best through hands on experiences, exactly what #STEAM provides.
#STEAM also requires working using multiple skill sets, like people do in real life, not isolating one objective at a time.
#ECEChat
A1 Messy, noisy, and rarely follows the plan perfectly. But following the child leads down exciting roads. Over the past week my class has learned how crayons are made, how bottles are recycled and how books are made - all because the kids wanted to know. #ecechat
A2: HANDS ON problem solving, trial and error in a playful and purposeful way that promotes cooperation. I love the ETA hand2mind stem kits for prek! They are fun! #ECEchat
A2 looks like HANDS ON! Ss & T conversations, Ss collaborating and learning together and from each other - it’s integrated all throughout classroom and implemented throughout all instruction #ECEChat
STEAM can take many forms but some best practices should be - open ended activities, hands-on, many solutions, require collaboration and creativity. #ECEchat
A2 Messy, noisy, and rarely follows the plan perfectly. But following the child leads down exciting roads. Over the past week my class has learned how crayons are made, how bottles are recycled and how books are made - all because the kids wanted to know. #ecechat
A2: It is learning through exploration and taking chances. It gives Ss the opportunities to collaborate, problem solve and work together as a team. #ecechat
A2. The outdoor environment provides real life problems for Ss to solve using their skills and knowledge - meaningful & authentic learning opportunities. #ECEChat
A1: Young children (and everyone really) learn best through hands on experiences, exactly what #STEAM provides.
#STEAM also requires working using multiple skill sets, like people do in real life, not isolating one objective at a time.
#ECEChat
A2: #STEAM looks like a well prepared environment. Providing materials for children to question, explore, and problem solve. Allowing children to take the lead- often they will see a completely different use for a material than we do!
#ECEChat
A3: Remain open and present! Provide the resources and opps but allow the Ss to guide the learning. Plan purposeful questions related to these resources that focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and concept development so that wherever the Ss go, you are ready! #ecechat
A3 Not as good as I want to be at this yet. But a first step for me has been to let go of control and be open to what the students can discover without me. #ecechat
A3. Immerse them in an environment that is meaningful and engaging, and let them play. Wonder aloud with them and celebrate their discoveries. One of my favorite moments in #NaturePreK is when Ss discover how to make a teeter-totter. #ECEChat
A3:Start with their natural interests. Explore, then build intentional yet playful experiences to encite a natural curiosity to solve problems. Let them identify problems to solve as well. Fairy tales are full of STEM problems to solve! #ECEchat
A3: Purposefully plan engaging experinces... provide the materials, the reasoning/problem & then engage in the learning with the students! @lead4ward#ECEchat
A3: Purposefully plan engaging experinces... provide the materials, the reasoning/problem & then engage in the learning with the students! @lead4ward#ECEchat
A3 - we can also give them permission to pursue their passions and try to make available resources they may need without limiting their options or opportunities #ECEChat
A3. An indoor classroom full of loose parts will foster creativity and problem solving. Two essential skills for STEAM subjects, but also life in general. #ECEChat
A3: Through collaborating with others to gather ideas, asking experts to come in to teach it like @AmyLearn, and providing as many hands on experiences as you can. Ts can give Ss challenges to work on in centers, for example: building a chimney for Santa to go down.#ecechat
I completely agree with you! I think for Ts of younger Ss it's hard to step back when Ss are struggling even if we know it's part of the process #ecechat
A3. An indoor classroom full of loose parts will foster creativity and problem solving. Two essential skills for STEAM subjects, but also life in general. #ECEChat
A3 Look for opportunities where standards lend to #STEAM integration.
We integrated these STEAM centers with SEL learning based on Pete the Cat and His 4 Groovy Buttons #ECEchat@MrsReaka
A3 it’s very important too that we don’t try to dictate the plan! I try to give my students a chunk of time every day with zero direction from me to just explore what’s available #ECEChat
A3. A simple way to start is changing the types of questions you ask (more open ended), and withhold giving Ss the answers but instead encourage them to take risks & share their ideas/thinking. Focus on the process over the product. #ECEChat
A3 Begin with a cross curricular idea or problem that needs a solution. Provide materials & resources and framework for the design process. Allow students then to explore, collaborate, take the lead. Example: baby bear's chair #ECEchat
#ECEchat I teach ECSE so there are many times I have to provide more direction. I try to do as little as possible in order to allow them to grow in their own way.
A3 we need to provide the necessary means for Ss to engage with and we need to be intentional with our lessons and cognizant of letting them be curious / problem solve #ECEchat
A3: ask purposeful Qs & don't give all the answers. Try to find ways to bring subjects and concepts together through STEAM, especially read alouds or themes. Help them test ideas. GROWTH MINDSET! #ECEchat
Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
There will be some days as a T where I'll put my Ss in groups and put a container on the desk (each group getting different items in their container) and say... Okay! Create! And watch what they can build with it. #ECEChat
A4 it pains me a little to say this but I get lots of inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram - mainly because I’m following teachers like you! #ECEChat
Thought of you when I read this article: "It is never too early to start STEM education, and an ideal way to teach STEM is to go out into nature." https://t.co/byy3Pbml23@ADutke#STEM#STEAM
A4: I can always find STEAM inspiration on Twitter, Pinterest, & recently came across the website https://t.co/RTDFfUE1qf They have free STEAM activities focused around stories, sensory and engineering! #ECEchat
RT Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
#ECEchat A1. ECE sets the foundation for which academia is built. #STEAM provides a great means for Ss to begin thinking outside the box. If we teach in this manner, hopefully Ss can synthesize their learning to other areas of life and find there are always multiple solutions.
A4: I find alot of inspiration from other preschool Ts on FB and on here. I also follow their lead. Ss come in with ideas and interests they wang to pursue. Here are two of my fav. Links: https://t.co/BxQ2pzBKA0https://t.co/KxsOi2oYQC#ecechat
Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
A4. I get inspiration from observing my Ss in action. Notice what problems they are encountering. They uncover/create endless opportunities for STEAM learning to be fostered & supported. #ECEChat
A4: I try to take student interest in to consideration. Also, Pinterest is a wonderful resource. Some of my students will be trying out a green screen this week! https://t.co/jXKc7r9cc3#ecechat
A3. A simple way to start is changing the types of questions you ask (more open ended), and withhold giving Ss the answers but instead encourage them to take risks & share their ideas/thinking. Focus on the process over the product. #ECEChat
A4: I find a variety of ideas from teachers on Facebook groups I am part of. For science activities I use @SteveSpangler website which has a variety of activities to use! #ecechat
A4: I frequent Twitter and Pinterest and my coworker’s rooms. I’m super cheap so I hoard all kinds of junk until we can figure out how to use it. Kids are really great about making something out of nothing too. #ECEchat
Q4 As a former secondary science teacher, I pull from my past, other teachers, PD events and Pinterest...saw @MrStephenWolfe mention. I love all that Pinterest has to offer #ecechat
Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
I would be open to them adding stuff outside of the what's in their container time to time! Or even leave the door open where they can trade their box items from other groups. It'll probably be something I'll do in my practicum just to see what happens! #ECEChat
Q5: Keep the sharing coming!!! What are your favorite STEAM challenges or lessons for young learners? Share pictures & videos too if you have them! #ECEchat
A4. I get inspiration from observing my Ss in action. Notice what problems they are encountering. They uncover/create endless opportunities for STEAM learning to be fostered & supported. #ECEChat
A4: podcasts, Pinterest, other teachers, and the kids themselves! A lot of project based learning resources easily fit into a classroom stem activity too! #ECEchat
A4. Visiting other Tchrs, schools is a great way to get ideas! Visiting @JessicaCabeen introduced me to the world of coding, and led to new learning experiences for my PreK Ss as a result. #ECEChat
Took advantage of the cold weather this week to revisit my "want to do, but haven't done list" and introduced beebots to my students. Still inspired from my visit to Woodson K last Spring and observing @JessicaCabeen teaching coding! #WeArePLSAS#EarlyEd#STEM
A5: As an aspiring T... I have absolutely lots! My favorite would have to be using toothpicks and marshmallows to build bridges between desks that have to withstand so much weight or building aluminum boats that have to hold a pre-determined weight w/o sinking #ECEChat
RT Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
We started w the standards & unit of study, chose an engaging, high quality read aloud to support the standards & designed #STEAM related challenges & activities. We used @ConsciousD feeling buddies w Codeapillar to reinforce SEL & teach feeling vocab. #ecechat
A5. Ss enjoyed this challenge with their 5th grade buddies. STEAM challenges are a great way to allow for Ss across grade levels to interact while also meeting their grade-level standards #ECEChat
A5 In our science center we have lego challenge cards. Each card gives students a challenge they can meet creatively. For example, build something with only blue Legos. Two kids can use the same card and come up with something completely different. #ecechat
#ecechat Everywhere!! I have been lucky enough to get several different kits through #DonorsChoose. I also incorporate any materials in our room. For example, right now we are doing a unit on polar animals. I provided a tub of icy water for them to stick their hands in.....
Q4: Where do you find STEAM inspiration and ideas for your students? What are your favorite resources and go-to places for STEAM learning & ideas? Share links if you can! #ECEchat
A4 I get some amazing ideas from @kimperclefarias and she provides T and Ss support too! T’s collaborate and share ideas, we have a robotics club and that gives me great ideas as well #ECEChat
Also... As they're creating... I'd go around the room asking numerous questions. Maybe they're building bridges with toothpicks and marshmallows... So I'd be like... it kept failing when you did A... But it held up when you did B..Why do you think B held up better than A #Ecechat
A5: A personal favorite of mine has to be the milk rainbow! So easy and cheap but never ceases to amaze the Ss and leads to so many great questions and convos. Fits perfectly with our rainbow day! #ECEChat
#ECEchat A4: For me, #STEAM is driven by the curriculum. Example: we are doing a study of Harriet Tubman. #1stGrade Ss proposed interview questions to research, #2ndgrade is building a small scale UR map with #Ozobots, and #kindergarten will be doing a digital quilt square.
A4: Check out the Early Childhood forum on the National Science Teachers Association's Learning Center https://t.co/ZF3mteqWnU Give and get resources, ideas, community #ECEchat
A5: This was a favorite this year, building a chimney for Santa. Last year I did a ramp and slide challenge that I hope to do this year as well! We are very lucky to have @AmyLearn who comes in and teaches us weekly to be engineers in different ways. #ecechat
A5: This was another fun experiment set up in the sensory table recently. Baking soda with drops of food coloring and Ss armed with cups of vinegar and droppers= endless fun and experimentation! #ECEChat
A5: Incorporating ramp design into building with blocks. Children (and educators) learning how to build a stable base, a path to their goal, and document it. https://t.co/KA0roYHFm0#ECEchat
A6: After tonight, I want to know more about the Early Childhood forum on the National Science Teachers Association's Learning Center! TY @PeggyAshbrook for the resource! #ecechat
A6: After tonight, I want to know more about the Early Childhood forum on the National Science Teachers Association's Learning Center! TY @PeggyAshbrook for the resource! #ecechat
