Why I Pivoted to Early Years STEM?
At a turning point in my career, I was looking for something new—something that would reignite my passion for teaching. The monotony of teaching the same concepts year after year was becoming less fulfilling. I realized that I wanted to incorporate something fresh and innovative into my teaching practice—a way to make learning more engaging, hands-on, and exciting. STEM was the answer.
As I reflect on my journey to becoming an Early Years STEM teacher, I realize that this transition wasn’t just a shift in my career—it was a step toward something truly transformative. For years, I’ve been deeply passionate about science, technology, and math. However, it wasn’t until the onset of COVID and the push to move online that I truly connected with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
Through online platforms, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with STEM and STEAM educators around the world who have shared their incredible experiences. Their enthusiasm and creativity sparked a desire in me to bring that excitement back to my classroom and beyond.
Why STEM?
One of the driving forces behind my pivot was the opportunity to solve real problems within my community and beyond. Early Childhood STEM education is still relatively new in Barbados, and teachers often feel they don’t know where to begin.
Through my research, I discovered a significant gap in accessible STEM education for early learners. I saw a chance to fill that gap and help others—teachers and students alike—navigate this exciting, yet often intimidating, field.
What truly stood out to me was how STEM could provide a platform for students who aren’t academic high achievers to shine. It offers a creative space where they can explore their strengths, develop confidence, and express their intelligence at their own unique pace.
Additionally, as literacy still proves to be a major concern in education, I wanted to do my part to combat this challenge. By integrating literacy with STEM, I’ve created a more engaging, hands-on approach to learning. This fusion makes it fun and accessible for young learners to develop their literacy and language skills alongside their STEM knowledge. I'm excited to share about an event coming soon that will showcase this.
Addressing Parent Frustrations and Highlighting Benefits
I understand that the shift may feel like a departure from traditional education methods, and it’s important to acknowledge the concerns of parents and guardians. “I need my child to read better, write, and understand mathematics,” is a valid concern, and one I take seriously.
What I want parents to see is that STEM isn’t just about science and technology—it’s about integrating these areas with literacy and math in ways that make learning exciting, interactive, and meaningful.
Why Embrace the Transition?
The shift from BimSmartPlay to ExploreSTEMPlay wasn’t about leaving behind play-based learning—it was about adding more depth and richness to the educational experiences I offer.
STEM is not a replacement; it’s an enhancement. It provides opportunities for children to develop essential life skills through exploration and discovery, which extends beyond the classroom and into their futures.
Together, we can navigate this transition, ensuring that every child benefits from a well-rounded, innovative approach to learning. Whether it’s through engaging STEM vacation camps, professional development workshops for teachers, or hands-on STEM clubs for little learners, the focus remains on making learning accessible, exciting, and effective for all students.
What to Expect from Early Years STEM
This pivot isn’t just a change in focus; it’s the beginning of something bigger. Here’s what’s in store:
STEM Vacation Camps: These camps offered three times per year will combine play-based, project-based, and literacy-based learning to create unforgettable experiences. Think experiments, simple engineering challenges, and coding basics—all infused with opportunities to build reading and math skills.
Professional Development Workshops for Teachers/Parents: Teachers/Parents will receive practical training and resources to incorporate STEM into their classrooms/into their homes. These workshops will empower educators and parents alike to confidently teach and implement STEM, fostering a ripple effect of innovation across society.
STEM Clubs for Little Learners These clubs will provide a space for children to explore their interests in STEM, whether it’s robotics, environmental science, or creative problem-solving.
A Journey of Growth and Discovery
Embracing change can be challenging, but it’s also necessary for growth. By integrating STEM into early childhood education, we’re creating an environment where children thrive not only academically but socially and emotionally as well.
So, to parents and guardians who are navigating this transition with me—thank you for your support. Together, we’re building a future where every child can succeed in a way that matters most to them.
Resources Mentioned
Related Blog Post/Episodes
Connect with Stacia
Check out more inspiration on her website: explorestemplay.com
Connect with her on Instagram: @explorestemplay
Listen to our podcast: Explore Stem Through Play
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