At The Fern Early Learning Centres, we believe that sparking curiosity in young minds lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Our Kinder program integrates STEAM in early learning—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—into a play-based curriculum that inspires children to become creative problem-solvers. Designed for our kinder-aged children, our STEAM program fosters skills that support school readiness. This post explores how The Fern Early Learning Centres use STEAM in our kinder program to nurture innovation, within our personalised learning philosophy.
Why STEAM Matters in the Kinder Program
STEAM education is about more than just academics; it’s about encouraging children to explore, create, and think critically. By incorporating the arts alongside science, technology, engineering, and maths, we provide a holistic approach that nurtures both creativity and analytical skills. In our Kinder program at The Fern Early Learning Centres, STEAM activities are tailored to engage young learners, helping them develop the confidence and curiosity needed for school readiness.
The arts component of STEAM adds a unique dimension, allowing children to express themselves through creative outlets like drawing, music, or storytelling while exploring scientific concepts. This blend prepares children for school by fostering skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience in a fun, engaging way.
How The Fern Integrates STEAM in Our Kinder Program
At The Fern Early Learning Centres, our early learning curriculum for the kinder program weaves STEAM into everyday activities. Our qualified educators create supportive environments where children can explore STEAM concepts through play. Here’s how we bring STEAM to life in our Kinder program:
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Science: Discovering the World
Kinder-aged children are naturally curious, and our science activities encourage them to explore their environment. From observing insects during outdoor play to mixing colours in a painting project, children learn to ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions—key skills for scientific thinking.
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Technology: Exploring Tools
Technology in our kinder program focuses on understanding tools and systems in age-appropriate ways. Children might use magnifying glasses to examine natural objects or experiment with age-appropriate tools. These activities teach cause and effect while sparking curiosity about how things work.
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Engineering: Designing and Building
Engineering activities encourage children to create and problem-solve. In our kinder program, children build structures with blocks, create bridges from recycled materials, or design imaginative creations. These projects promote teamwork and perseverance, preparing children for school challenges.
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Arts: Fostering Creativity
The arts bring STEAM to life by encouraging self-expression. Whether painting a mural, creating music with simple instruments, or acting out stories, our kinder children use art to explore their ideas. These activities complement STEAM’s technical elements, fostering creativity and emotional growth.
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Mathematics: Understanding Patterns
Maths is embedded in our kinder program through playful activities like counting games, sorting shapes, or measuring ingredients during cooking projects. These experiences build early numeracy skills and help children see math as an exciting part of their world.
Benefits of STEAM in the Kinder Program
Our STEAM in early learning approach offers numerous benefits for kinder-aged children:
- Critical Thinking: STEAM activities encourage children to ask “why” and “how,” building analytical skills.
- Creativity: The arts component allows children to express themselves while exploring technical concepts.
- Collaboration: Group projects, like building a model together, teach teamwork and communication.
- Confidence: Completing a STEAM challenge, such as creating a piece of art or solving a puzzle, boosts self-esteem.
Our educators provide individualised support, ensuring every child in our Kinder program thrives in their STEAM exploration.
How The Fern Supports Families with STEAM in Kinder
Our early learning curriculum in the kinder program aligns with national standards, ensuring STEAM activities prepare children for a smooth transition to school. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Free Kinder programs make our Kinder program accessible to more families. Our educators regularly share updates on your child’s STEAM experiences, from photos of their artwork to stories about their engineering projects, keeping you connected to their growth.
Tips for Encouraging STEAM at Home
Parents can support STEAM learning at home with simple activities:
- Explore Nature: Go on a walk and discuss plants, animals, or the weather.
- Create Art: Draw, paint, or build with household items to spark creativity.
- Count and Sort: Practice counting toys or sorting objects by colour or size.
- Ask Questions: Encourage curiosity by asking “What do you think will happen?” during play.
These activities complement the STEAM experiences in our Kinder program, reinforcing your child’s love for learning.
Start Your Child’s STEAM Journey with The Fern
The Fern Early Learning Centres are dedicated to inspiring young innovators through STEAM. Our Kinder program, with its focus on school readiness creates a nurturing environment where children thrive. Supported by the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), our kinder program is accessible to families across our centres.
Ready to ignite your child’s curiosity? Contact The Fern Early Learning Centres today to learn more about our Kinder program or schedule a tour of one of our centres. Let’s give your child a head start as a creative thinker and problem-solver.
