If you spend a little time in our spaces, you will see a beautiful curiosity about how the world works. At Circles & Cycles, we integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) into the heart of our play, especially in our Afternoon School program.
The window between ages two and six is vital, because a child’s brain is at its most flexible.
We watch our ‘Explorers’ (ages 2–3 year olds) move from sensory play into the logical and deeper inquiry of our “Investigators” (ages 4–6 year olds).
By introducing STEM concepts now, we are protecting that sense of wonder and building an intuitive confidence that keeps ‘math anxiety’ away. STEM includes the skills of
- Critical Thinking: Moving from ‘What is this?’ to ‘How does it work?’
- Resilience: Teaching our children that ‘mistakes’ are just discoveries; or what we call ‘beautiful oopsies!’
- Language: We will use precise words such as balance, gravity, or dissolve. It gives children the right tools to describe exactly what they are observing as well as increase their vocabulary.
- The Afternoon Program: STEM with a Purpose; the children will explore
- As Scientists, they are observing, questioning, and testing theories about the natural world and
- As Engineers, they are designers and problem-solvers, using their hands and minds to build solutions for the challenges they see.
Project-Based
Deep learning happens when children have the time to return to an idea, test it, and try again. By working together on a single, sustained project, they learn the power of collaboration and the persistence needed to see a ‘big idea’ come to life.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A big part of our STEM program is helping children understand their connection to the Earth. We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our guide:
- Life Below Water & On Land (SDGs 14 & 15): We act as environmental scientists. Whether we are investigating water systems or building “bug hotels,” we are learning to be protectors of our oceans, our forests, and every living thing in between.
- Responsible Consumption (SDG 12): We act as mindful engineers, looking at the lifecycle of our materials and finding creative ways to “upcycle” rather than discard.
The Circles & Cycles Afternoon Program empowers children to explore the world as Scientists and Engineers. Through sustained STEM projects and a commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, we turn natural wonder into practical confidence, preparing our children to be the mindful problem-solvers for the future.