This fall, the Moonbeam classroom focus on a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities. Our everyday approach at Magic Garden is to let children learn by providing lessons and activities that are based on their interests and complement their development. The children love STEM activities because they tap into children’s natural curiosity and desire to explore. The children were motivated by making new discoveries and wanted to learn new vocabulary and new concepts. Our role as teachers is to provide materials and opportunities for children to explore and learn in a meaningful way. This fall, we provided children with a variety of building materials such as wooden blocks, foam blocks, Legos, cups, and boxes. We encouraged the children to use these different materials to explore balance, geometry, building tunnels, roads, and bridges. We asked questions to encourage further learning and exploration. Asking, “What happened?” and “What will happen if…?” are great ways to support our young scientists to develop observation and prediction skills. We always made sure to connect learning to the natural world and environment. Fall is a wonderful time of year for the children to learn about colors, changes, life cycles, and weather. We went on many nature walks and collected leaves, sticks, and acorns. We used these materials to count, sort, and as a basis for art activities. We sang songs about fall, and made a class book about our observations.

We also had a new door installed in our classroom which provided many hours of observational opportunity for the children. Through the window, the children observed the step by step process of construction and got a close up look at tools in action. We were also very fortunate to have the chance to go outside to look at the building process and to get some hands on experience of using rulers, tape, set squares and measuring and the children got a chance to feel and manipulate different pieces of wood. We all loved being construction workers. We are all looking forward to the many activities and adventures the new year will bring.