The ability to accurately observe, measure and use the resulting information is a basic competency at the root of many STEM skills. By encouraging young children to experiment with these concepts and incorporate their findings into their play, you are encouraging the development of this skill, as well as their creativity and initiative. When combined with adult guidance, young children can grasp concepts such as bigger/smaller, longer/shorter, heavier/lighter, and use them as part of their daily experiments with the world around them. Measurement is also included in the Colorado Preschool Academic Standards.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education has become increasingly necessary to thrive in today’s world and therefore a national priority. Yet, a mistaken notion that complex thinking skills are beyond the ability of young children means that infants, toddlers & preschoolers aren’t always exposed to STEM concepts or activities during their early education. Children in informal care, such as with family, friends, and neighbors, may not experience the same scope of early educational experiences. Science and math are two areas that adult caregivers may not have as much confidence in. However, as a hub of community-based learning, libraries are in the perfect position to share STEM concepts and activities with FFN and the young children in their care. By supplying libraries with the materials necessary to easily create play-based learning opportunities that focus on age-appropriate STEM concepts, the Colorado State Library hopes to increase opportunities for young children and their caregivers to engage with these topics.
This kit will allow library staff to present play-based, interactive programs on measurement for young children, ages 3 to 7.
Contents
- 2 sets Keva Planks
- 2 Weight and Mass Kits
- 4 Children’s Tape Measures
- Set of 4 stuffed dog toys
- Set of 6 plastic dinosaurs
- Set of 14 African safari plastic animals
- 1 copy of each of the following books:
- How Tall Was a T.Rex? By Alison Limentani
- Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
- Ants Rule: The Long and Short of It by Bob Barner
- How Heavy? by Mark Weakland
- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
- Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney
- 2 Height charts
- 4 18” rulers
- 2 60-inch fabric tape measures