STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Professional Learning Package

STEM in Early Childhood is a starting point to learn more about how the content areas of Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (STEM) link with other curriculum areas and programming in early childhood settings. In this module, presenter Kate Highfield explores some of the ways that you can incorporate and strengthen STEM in your education practice with young children. Featuring video footage from Australian early childhood settings and interviews with early childhood professionals, this highly interactive module will build on your current knowledge and have you thinking about new and innovative ways to integrate STEM into everyday learning experiences.

Learning Objectives:

• what STEM means and various definitions relating to STEM
• how to encourage deep learning in STEM in a manner that is consistent with the Early Years Learning Framework
• the difference between STEM content and STEM thinking and processes and why they matter in the early years
• the four content pillars that underpin STEM
• how to use adult and child interactions and the routines and rhythms of the day to work in STEM concepts
• how to apply STEM in early childhood contexts
• how to apply STEM in your local context, and
• where you can learn more about STEM?

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This module is designed to encourage early childhood educators and teachers to engage in inquiry-based, child-led STEM practices. It discusses common notions of STEM and unfolds what STEM looks like in the early years. It also outlines the importance of STEM inquiry in the development of vital life skills and presents links to the Early Years Learning Framework.

The module will help participants explore everyday learning opportunities relevant to children’s lives and develop a basic understanding of co-constructed environments, the principles of inquiry-based learning and the concept of metacognition.

Through this module, participants will gain an understanding of:

• STEM in an early years context
• what inquiry-based and co-constructed learning is
• why inquiry practices are important for children’s future
• the educator’s role in STEM inquiry
• how STEM inquiry links to the Early Years Learning Framework.

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In this module, we explore how educators can support children’s maths and numeracy learning in day-to-day practice, play and outdoor programs. We look at intentional teaching and child-led learning, and highlight the importance of educators modelling how to think and talk mathematically.

This module aims to strengthen educators understanding about how mathematical concepts and ideas can be woven into all parts of the educational program.

This course is suitable for educators have a foundational understanding of the nationally approved learning frameworks.  Educators should have a robust understanding of contemporary teaching approaches such as play based learning, the role of the environment and intentional teaching before embarking on this course.

In this course, you will,

• learn how to use maths and numeracy concepts in day-to-day practice with children
• plan for mathematical learning
• understand the role of children in planning the educational program
• unpack how play based learning and intentional teaching practices can be adopted to support children’s mathematical understandings
• hear from educators in early childhood and school settings about how they incorporate maths in their services learning environments.

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Music has long been regarded as an important part of early childhood education. In this module, explore music as an integral and vibrant part of a child’s family, community and culture, and how it can be utilised as a powerful tool for learning and development. Written by Dr Amanda Niland, this module is a vibrant look at the foundations of music, ‘musicking’ and musical skills — for both educators and children.

For young children, music can be a way of:

• connecting with others
• expressing themselves, and
• exploring and making meaning through their senses.

Learning Objectives:

• the central role of music in children’s lives
• how music contributes to children’s sense of belonging and developing identity
• the ways in which music can support and enrich children’s learning and development in communication and language, social skills, motor skills, creative and flexible thinking
• music as both a mode of communication and an expressive art form and children as capable musicians, and
• strategies and resources you can use to increase your confidence and ability to share in music-making with young children.

Get this module as a part of an annual subscription.