In this course you will learn how to develop play-based, science and mathematics experiences for young children that can be integrated into the everyday life of the classroom to support all learners.
Early childhood educators have important roles in planning, playful mathematics and science experiences that will engage all children. This course shares examples of play-based lessons where early childhood educators can act as both a guide and facilitator throughout the planning, implementation and assessment of playful learning experiences. The course also highlights strategies that will help you to develop formative assessment/observation protocols during mathematics and science explorations.
This course will support your development of playful learning experiences in the classroom by helping you to: • Understand the links between purposeful play, mathematics, and science in early childhood. • Plan cooperative, playful lessons that will engage all children in your classroom as they work collaboratively. • Understand how to support key ideas in STEAM learning– questioning, exploration, experimentation, creation/construction, and communication– as a regular part of play in the classroom. • Implement classroom experiences that support children’s engagement with mathematics and science in everyday experiences using accessible and safe materials • Learn strategies for recognizing children’s current interests and understandings of math and science concepts during their play and explorations in order to support and extend their learning
Angela Eckhoff is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning and Director of the Virginia Early Childhood Policy Center at Old Dominion University in Virginia. She holds a dual PhD from the University of Colorado – Boulder in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science. She is a coeditor of the Full STEAM Ahead column for Teaching Young Children from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Dr. Eckhoff studies the role of creativity in child development and learning, arts-based research and pedagogical practices, and early STEAM learning in both classroom and museum settings. She is the author of Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade and the Creative Investigations in Early STEAM book series from Gryphon House Publishers.
