Early Years Education Foundations

Lesson 1 is all about gaining an understanding for the foundations of STEM. In this first lesson you'll explore how young minds develop critical thinking, creativity, and confidence through inquiry-based and hands-on activities. Supported by modern neuroscience you'll learn the importance of STEM in helping children enhance problem-solving skills, build resilience through trial and error, and enjoy collaborative learning to improve teamwork and communication. Interdisciplinary activities and play integrate various subjects, fostering cognitive flexibility and real-world application, preparing children for future academic and personal success.

In early childhood, motivation is shaped by how the brain uses past experiences to predict future outcomes. The brain continuously updates its expectations based on feedback from goals, actions, and internal body signals. This process, known as predictive coding, helps children reduce uncertainty and feel more confident in their abilities. By learning from both successes and failures, children refine their strategies and stay motivated. In this lesson you'll explore how creating a supportive environment with clear goals, positive feedback, and opportunities for exploration helps enhance these predictive processes, fostering motivation and effective learning in young children.

This lessons aims to equip early years educators with a comprehensive understanding of inquiry-based learning and its integration with STEM education. Participants will explore the principles of inquiry-based learning, emphasising the importance of fostering curiosity and critical thinking in young children. The class will demonstrate practical strategies for incorporating STEM concepts into everyday activities, balancing children's interests with the introduction of new and novel experiences. By the end of the session, educators will have the tools and confidence to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery in early childhood education.

First up is Science, in this lesson you'll explore how early years educators can incorporate scientific concepts into their planning and environments. We'll discuss simple, hands-on experiments and nature-based activities that ignite children's curiosity about the world around them. Learn how to create a science-rich environment that encourages exploration and inquiry, fostering a love for discovery and critical thinking.

In this lesson, we will focus on integrating technology into early childhood education. Discover age-appropriate technological tools and resources that can enhance learning and play. Early childhood isn't about mastering apps and computers but utilising technology to help widen children's understanding of the world around them is a vital components of day to day education.

This lesson delves into the world of engineering for young learners. Learn how to incorporate building, designing, and constructing activities into your curriculum. We'll discuss the importance of open-ended play with blocks, recycled materials, and simple machines, and how these activities help develop spatial awareness, creativity, and collaborative skills among children.

In this lesson, we will explore strategies for embedding mathematical concepts into early childhood education. From counting and sorting activities to pattern recognition and basic geometry, discover how to make math fun and accessible through play. We'll discuss creating math-rich environments and activities that promote numeracy skills and logical thinking, laying a strong foundation for future learning. Maths interventions out, and play in!