Learning is Fun: Exciting Sensory Learning Styles for STEAM Classes

Experimentation and discovery are now a regular part of the early childhood curriculum. Kids—of all ages—love to explore new concepts and activities, which means that it’s easier to teach them STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) AND keep them entertained. Even though most parents confuse STEAM with advanced academic learning, it goes beyond math equations and scientific formulas.

The fundamental goal of STEAM learning is observation, invention and experience. When sensory play is incorporated in STEAM classrooms, not only does it drive higher student engagement, but it also influences learning outcomes in a positive way.

Here are some easy and efficient sensory learning activities in STEAM classrooms.

Science

Who doesn’t love science experiments? Textbook theories are boring, but science projects are rather wonderful—not to mention impactful. To teach simple science concepts, use these activities:

Color Changing Slime

Heat-sensitive slime that changes color with change in the temperature is perfect for teaching children the concept of thermochromism. For kids in elementary years, you can also use this activity to teach about wavelength and how they can create different visible colors.

Volcano in Apple

Whoever said science is boring hasn’t heard of an erupting volcano from Apple. All you need for this cool activity is an apple, baking soda and lemon juice. You can also use vinegar as an alternative to lemon juice. Carve a small hole inside the apple; put in baking soda and pour the lemon juice. A dramatic eruption will follow, making for an exciting science project.

The activity helps children understand chemical reactions and how certain elements react to form gases or other substances.

Hot Ice

Forget children—making hot ice sounds like an exciting idea even for adults to try! Using just a few ingredients—baking soda and vinegar—you can make hot ice and even ask your toddler to help you do it. Completely harmless, the process is another fascinating introduction of chemical reactions for kids.

Technology

While the initial introduction to technology with sensory play is limited for small children, you can use the following for school-going kids.

3-D Printing

Due to the complexity and sophistication of process, you will likely be unable to perform this at home; however, schools can arrange trips to factories and plants that deal in 3-D printing.

Toy Devices

Mobile phones and laptops for children in the toys section are now advanced enough to help them learn the right and educational use of technology. Similarly, you can help children learn slicing or mixing by employing age-appropriate and hazard-free devices available in the kids’ section.

Engineering

Closely related to problem-solving and invention, designing and building activities are perfect for teaching children the concept of engineering through sensory play.

Building Blocks

Using blocks to build different things such as airplanes, animals, shapes and bridges allows children to understand the concept of structures.

You can also teach the difference between 2-D and 3-D objects by building a simple triangle with sticks vs. pyramid or a square vs. cube.

Sand Play

A simple object like a PVC pipe can teach your child the importance of manipulation and structure. Use sand to create new towers; or you can use putty for building the boundary walls, in which your child can lay the foundation to a whole new city.

Art

Art activities and sensory play go hand-in-hand. Every art project is a way for your child to learn the importance of creation and imagination. Some art and sensory play activities include:

Finger Painting

Allow your child to feel the paint on their finger and use it to draw shapes and color in drawing books.

Tissue Paper Painting

If you’re looking to create a vivid but kind of a 3-D painting, bring in some tissue papers and paste them along with different colored paints.

Mathematics

While counting, division and multiplication can be a piece of cake for some children; to others, they can be intimidating and confusing. To inspire positive learning in a preschool math class, try these:

Illuminated Stickers

Children like flashy things. Anything out of the ordinary can be fascinating and glowing numbers are exactly the way to do it. To help them learn the shapes of numbers, visual stimulation is vital.

Number Tiles

For backward and forward counting, draw the numbers on the floor tiles and invent an interactive hopscotch activity. Moving on from smaller to bigger numbers and vice versa helps children retain the information and serves as an exciting visual stimulation activity.

Shaped Cushions

Throw pillows, cushions or bean bags in varying shapes are ideal for teaching children shapes. Additional bonus if you buy each shape in different colors.

Counting Hunt

Put numbered blocks in a box and embark on a number hunt. You can turn it into a competition as to who’ll find the next number first. This will keep your child excited about the game for more than a minute and you can use it as a teaching moment.

Concluding Thoughts

Both, STEAM learning and sensory play, have gained popularity in the academic word, and with good reasons. The benefits of both have been unmatched—especially in early education. While STEAM is designed to help children learn and discover better, sensory play contributes to their physical, social and cognitive development.

A creative and fun learning experience is the ultimate goal. Traditional teaching methods of structured and rigid curriculum are becoming less popular and daily worksheets with lectures are going out of style.

If we want our kids to thrive in both academic and practical life skills, STEAM learning combined with sensory play is the way to go. When kids have more options to learn from, they can choose one that resonates with them and actually retain the information, unlike in the case of rote learning.

At Kids ‘R’ Kids Waterford Lakes, our goal is to train and teach children in an enriched learning environment using a number of techniques. Our preschool and after-school programs help children grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.

Based in Orlando, Florida, we offer enrollment online. You can also get in touch with us here.