Stem Play Integrating Inquiry Into Learning Centers Dierdre Englehart by Dierdre Englehart, Edd; Debby Mitchell, Edd (mitchell, Debby)[a02]; Junie Albers-biddle, Edd (albers-biddle, Junie)[a02... 9780876594025, 087659402X instant download after payment.

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. —Fred Rogers

Play has been established as a major avenue of learning for young children. Learning centers have provided opportunities for play and learning at the preschool level for years. Integrated learning centers make sense for young children because the concept aligns with the way children learn. Young children don’t separate content into different areas; they naturally see and integrate learning in a holistic way as they play.

The idea of integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into learning centers is relatively new. Although literacy integration has become more common by providing books and writing materials within learning centers, focusing on STEM in different centers is a fresh approach. Because science is an avenue for children to learn about their world, it fits naturally with learning centers. Young children’s learning reflects a cycle that begins with an awareness of ideas and materials, moves to exploration with materials, then progresses as children develop concepts. This cycle of learning that occurs through explorations, inquiry, and building of knowledge uses similar processes as the engineering method and scientific inquiry. The initial explorations provide children with the experiences to build new ideas through these methods. Children need time and interactions to facilitate their learning and play. Learning centers provide a perfect platform for these experiences. Integration of STEM in the early years exposes young children to a problem-solving approach to learning that aligns with their own curiosity. The integration of STEM in the preschool setting may spark an interest in and increase preparation in these fields in for future, which could lead to interest in STEM careers.