It was a wonderful first week back in first grade. The kiddos and I enjoyed catching up with one another and hearing about the fun things we did over winter break. As we continue to progress in Trimester 2, we will continue our unit studies of weather and native americans, but we will also be exploring STEAM activities in a variety of ways.
STEAM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. These activities and lessons bring benefits to all students, at all levels of ability, creating a truly inclusive and effective educational opportunity. The biggest reason STEM activities and programs are critical in elementary aged classrooms is because it fosters a lifelong love of learning. The greatest gift we can give students during the elementary years is a driving curiosity, a belief in their abilities, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion to grow. With these skills in their toolbox, they will be equipped to tackle the challenges of higher education and the real world. No matter where their life journey takes them.
In our classroom, first graders have a variety of ways to explore STEAM activities daily. Through interactive centers, students can choose what STEAM challenge they want to work on. Some of the choices students have are craft stick puzzles, pattern block challenges, length and measurement, telling time, geo boards, toothpick structures, and playdough shapes. Our STEAM challenges are switched out every few weeks so that students are able to have different areas of exploration. Below are a few sample cards found at our stations as well as a few stations in action!
We also are very fortunate and get to have weekly STEAM with the Upper School science teacher Mr. Powers! This is always a highlight of our Tuesdays. Mr. Powers shares and teaches us a variety of STEAM topics and creates age appropriate challenges that take our thinking to the next level!
