WHAT'S S.T.R.E.A.M
What S.T.R.E.A.M. looks like in a
Child Care Setting.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, READING, ENGINEERING, ART, MATH
The S.T.R.E.A.M. approach focuses on letting children explore and experiment with different materials, tools, and concepts. This approach helps build vocabulary and communication skills. It also exposes children to different activities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. S.T.R.E.A.M. prepares children to be innovators, educators, and leaders in the modern world. Inquiring Minds Learning Academy is a S.T.R.E.A.M. learning environment. However, we do incorporate the traditional early childcare methods such as circle time, pretend play, music, song, and dance.
Science
Science encourages and teaches problem-solving, communication, and research skills. At Inquiring Minds Learning Academy, we do hands-on science experiments bi-weekly, e.g., pumpkin volcanoes, skittle rainbows, lava lamps, and cotton balls vs. cotton candy. Learning through experimentation is an awesome learning tool.
Technology
Inquiring Minds Learning Academy uses technology as a tool to facilitate interactive media learning:
●Tablets
●Laptops
●Smartboard
Reading
Reading is vital to creating inquiring minds. We read to our future leaders daily. Reading and exposure to words help children maximize their language and cognitive capabilities, enhance knowledge, and expand their imagination, creativity, and vocabulary.
Engineering
Engineering encourages children to work together as a team using objects to create a structure and/or 3D figure. These exercises teach your child to think logically and create problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
Art
Art encourages and develops creativity, imagination, and self-esteem. Art is a great way for children to express themselves—whether they are creating mosaics or painting with cotton balls.
Math
We use numbers, shapes, patterns, number recognition, counting, and sorting with manipulative tools (like blocks and counters), to develop important skills for their educational journey. These skills lay the foundation for more complex concepts like addition and subtraction.