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Curated educational activities from Early Childhood Specialist Leslie Gaar.


STEAM Part 1

Welcome to STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) Week! Today we’ll learn about shapes and engineering with Word Party, do some marshmallow engineering of our own, sing a song, and read a book.

 
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Watch Together

In this episode of Word Party, (Season 2, Episode 6: “Building Blocks,”) the babies learn the names of shapes so they can build a block tower. After watching, you might ask your child:

  • What shapes did the babies learn?

  • Can you think of any other shapes?

  • Do you like to build with blocks?

  • What other things could the babies build? What shapes would they need to do that?

Watch the episode here.

 
Photo credit: Mess for Less

Photo credit: Mess for Less

 

Marshmallow Sculptures

This activity from Mess for Less has a little bit of everything: math, engineering, fine motor practice…and it’s easy to prepare and clean up! With some toothpicks, a bag of marshmallows, and a little imagination, your child can create a marshmallow sculpture of their own. If you don’t have marshmallows on hand, try using Play-Doh or pencil erasers. Click below for the full instructions and then share your creations with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #HensonAtHome.

Find the full activity here.

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Let’s Sing: The Wheels on the Bus

Shapes are all around us, including on the things we ride. Which shapes can you see on a bus? How about around the city? Sing along with the video and see how many you can spot!

Sing along to the song here.

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Cuddle Up and Read

Let’s put the ‘A’ in STEAM Week by adding in some art! Grab a book about art to read with your child or catch this read-aloud of The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater.

Read along to the story here.

Coming Up Next…

STEAM Week continues with Sid the Science Kid and pendulum painting!

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