Playful STEM learning for preschoolers

A FREE family initiative of Playgroup Victoria and Monash University is coming to the Bannockburn Library.

On Friday 27 October, children aged three and five and their parents are invited to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through play, hands-on making, and storybook reading.

Playgroup Victoria research manager Dr Joanne Tarasuik said her organisation has been partnering with Monash Uni to help families educate their children about STEM in the home.

“Families have opportunities all day every day to stimulate their children, and this is a really fun way to do it, starting with a storybook and using those STEM ideas to help children extend their learning,” she said.

“It’s all about using the hands and making things in a maker space to get those conversations happening, and teaching parents the things they can replicate in the home.

“We will be having a lot of fun, using our imaginations, and the book we’re using is called The Imagineer, with Brickman reading it online.

“It’s all intentional, but to children, it all seems incidental.”

Playgroup Victoria has received funding from the university to deliver the program across the state, and Dr Tarasuik said where possible, they’re setting it up in libraries.

“We want people to read a story, make that connection, and ask, ‘what can we do to build on that?’ and ‘how can we borrow books to build upon in the future, and create our own scenarios?’” Dr Tarasuik said.

“We’re keen to support parents to feel comfortable and competent doing things. It’s not just their job to make their children happy, but to build them up to their fullest potential.”

Conceptual Pop-Up Playworld will be held from 10am to 11am at 25 to 27 High Street Bannockburn.

Register at the Geelong Regional Library Corporation website.