https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr STEAM Inspired Learning en-us 2022-04-21 23:39:32 UTC 2022-04-23 19:47:45 UTC hello@padlet.com kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152790003 At Preschool Laboratory we strive to provide students with a safe learning environment where they can grow and feel accepted. All educational experiences are tailored to meet each and every student's individual learning needs. We are a diverse community that works together to thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Additonally, we make STEAM a major focus of our curriculum in order to foster the love and understanding of science in young children.]]> 2022-04-21 23:43:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152790003 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152790405 The school is named Preschool Laboratory due to our implementation of science exploration into curriculum. We find that science is a topic that students tend to struggle with due to their lack of knowledge. We believe that by encouraging the students at a young age to engage in these STEAM practices, we could help develop future artists, scientists, engineers, mathematicians or even programmers. ]]> 2022-04-21 23:44:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152790405 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152792053 Our Preschool has a similar structure to other schools in the sense that our main subjects consist of math, literacy and science. While learning across these topics, we consistently implement STEAM curriculum into our daily lessons. ]]> 2022-04-21 23:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152792053 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152800566 The science portion of our curriculum is implemented through engaged and hands on learning. Students are taught about a particular topic which is then followed by an experiment where they are able to test their knowledge. If students were learning about the process of planting, the teacher would explain the planting and growing process to the students. They would also provide the students with a visual example, such as a time lapse of a flower growing. In terms of experimentation, the class would begin the process of a seed sprouting by germinating a seed in a jar. After, they would be able to observe the jar and eventually relocate it to an outdoor garden. The end of the experiment would be when the class is able to observe the plant fully grown. This experimentation process allows the students to constantly be asking questions and forming hypotheses as it grows. ]]> 2022-04-21 23:56:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152800566 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152805910 At our school we try to implement technology as much as possible because we understand it's importance in today's society. We believe that teaching the students how to use the internet and be safe will lead them down a successful path for upcoming educational experiences. ]]> 2022-04-22 00:02:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152805910 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152810945 Many tend to believe that engineering is hard to teach to children, especially those in Preschool. For these children, it is mainly focused on the process of brainstorming, designing, and building a machine or structure. This can be done a variety of ways such as legos, building blocks, loose materials, or realistically anything that can be used to build something. Engineering is an opportunity for children's creativity to shine.]]> 2022-04-22 00:08:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152810945 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152815761 Art is something that is a part of our everyday curriculum. At our school we value process art more than we value the product. We do this by giving students artistic materials without giving them strict directions on what they should create. This results in diverse artwork from all students which often stemming from their individual interests. ]]> 2022-04-22 00:13:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152815761 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152820151 Math is a subject that we try to implement into our curriculum, really hoping to challenge our students. At this age level, some children have a difficult time when counting and quantities. Regardless, we still push to teach our students simple math problems through visual and hands on manipulative materials. ]]> 2022-04-22 00:18:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152820151 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152824687 At Preschool Laboratory we make it our mission to meets the specific learning needs of each individual student. In our classroom, we understand that some children are significantly younger than those who are preparing to move onto Kindergarten. Due to this, we often structure our lessons and assignments to have multiple forms of engagement so that all students will be able to participate. An example of this could be a fine motor activity where students are practicing writing their name. Younger students might need their name written out to reference while writing. Older students may be expected to practice writing their name without looking at a reference. This allows all children to experience and reach the same learning objectives. At our school, we also understand that some children need special accommodations in order to prosper in a classroom environment. For children who have a hard time staying focused and seated, we have various flexible seating options to assist their learning. Some being soft cushions, wobble cushions, bean bag chairs, chair bands, etc. When considering our school's behavioral expectations, we acknowledge the fact that it is hard to hold young childrens undivided attention for long periods of time. To help with students attention, we provide many fidgets that allow the students to fidget with something while also taking in information. We have found that these accommodations and materials proved beneficial for their learning experiences. ]]> 2022-04-22 00:22:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152824687 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152848426 Considering we are a school with a heavy focus on STEAM, we try to implement technology into our lessons as much as possible. Each classroom is equipped with a Smartboard which is an interactive whiteboard in which the teachers and students can use. These are primarily used for lessons where students are watching videos or learning a new topic. Possibilities are endless when looking at what teachers can accomplish when using a Smartboard. We also have multiple Ipads in each classroom, yet not enough for each student to have their own. These Ipads are usually used in the classroom during centers where the students are able to experiment with the programs that are downloaded. A teacher is always present and attentive when technology is in use. When teaching digital literacy and citizenship to our students, we refer to Common Sense Media's curriculum with detailed lessons. ]]> 2022-04-22 00:42:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152848426 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152870458 At Preschool Laboratory, we believe that family involvement is important in the educational well-being students. To communicate with families during the school day, we use the app Bright Wheel to send photos and any updates if need be. On this app we can also log when the children eat lunch, take a nap or even if they have a potty accident. Families are always in the loop with what is going on with their child while in our care. We involve families in the education of their children by sending home month newsletters, informing them of what topics we will cover each month. On top of the newsletter, we put together a small box of loose materials for each child to take home. The child and their family are expected to build whatever is it they can think of with the provided materials. At the end of each month, we hold a STEAM Fair where families who are interested in participating are invited to the school to showcase their final product. People from all around the community are invited to come and vote for which family's product is their favorite. The winner of each month will win whatever prize is being given out that month. ]]> 2022-04-22 01:01:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152870458 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152876621 Preschool Laboratory impacts the surrounding community by creating lifelong learners who are beginning to thrive in subject areas beyond expectation. We attempt to involve the community in larger school events to build a sense of unity. Mainly, we affect the community by best preparing our students to be successful and determined learners in our community's public education system. ]]> 2022-04-22 01:07:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152876621 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152880584 Completing this assignment was an amazing experience because it was like I was taking my dream and mapping it out. Being a Preschool teacher, I wish I was able to provide this experience for my students because I know there would be many benefits. In past education courses, I learned about the importance of STEAM learning in fostering a true love for science. In order to see high rates of student success in science related topics, we need to make science more interesting and engaging for them. At my school, I wish I could provide families with loose materials in order to complete at home STEAM projects. Every time we complete science experiments that include any hands on interaction, there is no way to disengage the students. I also talk about accommodations within my ideal school because it is important that teachers are capable of accommodation lessons to teach all students learning needs. Even with complicated topics such as math and science, this can be done. Overall, creating my ideal school was a fun process that gave me new ideas to put into motion within my own current classroom.]]> 2022-04-22 01:10:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152880584 kroche2101 https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152908939 2022-04-22 01:34:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kroche2101/r8dwlfvv486yb6tr/wish/2152908939