Play & Learn

The wonder of children! From first smiles to first steps, we hold their hands as they discover the world. Throughout the era of childhood, inquiry and experimentation inspire learning, growth, and development. They are scientists, and we are their loving guides.

STEAM has become a buzz word of our time. Originally an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, "Art" was soon added to the mix, and STEAM was born. Studies show that careers related to these subjects will increase by 16% in the next few years. How can we make sure our children have access to career paths like these? The answer is simple: play!

Even small interactions can become learning experiences. During snack time, get out a single serving of your child's favorite healthy treat (raisins, cereal, crackers, etc.). Show the package to your child and describe it. "What a pretty, green square box." Pause, and ask your child if they can guess how many treats there are inside. Then, count together to see if their prediction is correct. With a school aged child, arrange the treats into groups of five for counting. When you are done with your counting activity, remember to enjoy that treat together.

What did you and your child learn? You used words to describe color and shape and showed your child how to count and group. Most significantly, you introduced the concept of the scientific method, allowing them to offer a hypothesis and then, test the outcome.

STEAM Story Times

The Library System offers many opportunities to explore and learn—one is STEAM Story Time. Led by Youth Services librarians, STEAM Story Time starts with a selection of fiction and nonfiction picture books and concludes with time allotted for experiments and activities that reflect the theme of the books chosen. STEAM Story Times are available for viewing on the Library’s YouTube channel, but you don’t have to wait for the next video. You are your child's best teacher, and you can plan your own STEAM story times. For instance, you can plan a STEAM story time centered around shadows. Two choices of fiction books that focus on this theme might be The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers and The Wolf and His Shadow by Thierry Robberecht & Loufane. Choose a nonfiction picture book with a shadow theme, too. If you’re not sure how to find the subject you’re looking for, ask library staff for help. Read the books with your child and talk about them.

Now it’s time for guided activities! Use your hands and a flashlight to create shadow puppets on the wall or build your own puppet theatre. Most of all, have fun as you and your child play and learn!

CHECK IT OUT:

@GreenvilleLibrary

Find STEAM Story Times from the Greenville County Library System on YouTube.

The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers

E Leathers

The Wolf and His Shadow by Thierry Robberecht

E Robberecht