STEM Play: Integrating Inquiry into Learning Centers

By Deirdre Englehart, Debby Mitchell, Junie Albers-Biddle and 2 more

Most early childhood teachers are using learning centers in the classroom, but do not approach them in ways that fully support a variety of learning opportunities. This book approaches learning centers through the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) lens, and shares how themes can be integrated into centers to promote creativity and highler-level thinking. 

STEM Play provides varied activities for the most common centers: Art, blocks, dramatic play, literacy, math, science, music and movement. Full of beautiful, fullcolor photos that show the activities in real early childhood classrooms, teachers can easily use the book’s ideas immediately in their curriculum.

STEM Play also includes a “How To” section for teachers who wish to expand on the STEM focus and use themed activities in their learning centers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gryphon House Inc.
• Release date: Sep 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9780876594032

Deirdre Englehart

Deirdre Sheridan Englehart, Ed.D, RYT, was an Associate Lecturer in the University of Central Florida's Early Childhood Development and Education program. In 2008, she earned her doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction and early childhood education and previously earned her master's degree in mathematics and science education at the University of Central Florida. She was a previous primary grade teacher in Orange County Public Schools and taught two years as a Teacher-in-Residence at the Orlando Science Center.  She taught undergraduate courses in science and technology, creativity, integrated arts and children's literature. She wrote several books for teachers and developed curriculum related to science and integrated arts. She was a part of the team that wrote the Voluntary Pre-K Standards in Florida. Her research interests included children's nonfiction literature, science education and the integration of yoga and movement with young children. Dr. Englehart lived in Deltona, FL. She passed away in 2016.

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