These subjects make up a biiiiig chunk of what they’ll learn in grown up school so why not put them one step ahead by introducing them to STEM play now? It’ll increase their interest in those subjects and encourage them to put their thinking caps on to problem solve and boost their independence. Plus, if you combine this kind of play with their Toniebox, they’ll be entertained AND educated too. What more could you ask for?
Fun activities for STEM learning
We have Early Years Teacher Sam Goldsworthy here to show us some super coooooool ways to set up STEM play with a little help from the Toniebox.
Science activity
Encourage little ones to plant a rainbow by planting a bunch of seeds for different coloured flowers, whilst listening to the Elmer Tonie. Gardening is a great way to introduce early science. When they plant flowers or vegetables, they’ll be watching them grow and learning how to care for them. For an extra activity, take the lesson outdoors and draw a rainbow with some colourful chalks on the floor to watch it disappear when the rain comes.
Technology activity
For this activity we’re going to explore healthy technology in daily life with the Healthy Habits Tonie. Let your kids take pictures of what they think healthy habits are when they encounter them throughout the day – like at snack time or when they’re exercising. When they hear Coach Hippo on the Tonie sing about taking care of their teeth, eating healthily or drinking water, encourage them to act out those tasks.
Engineering activity
Pop the Little Red Riding Hood Tonie on the Toniebox and set up some blocks, bricks and magnet tiles. Ask children to think and show how they can help Red Riding Hood escape from the big bad wolf. This will get them problem solving and thinking critically. This Tonie also has other classic fairy tales like The Gingerbread Man. As an extra activity you could ask them to think and show how the Gingerbread Man can cross the river so he doesn’t get eaten by the fox.
Maths activity
Pop the Counting Songs Tonie onto the Toniebox and place some sensory beans in a number tray. Encourage little ones to get hands on by exploring the sensory beans in the number tray and as they hear the number on the Tonie, get them to fill in the right number tile with the beans. You can also add some sticky notes and a pen to practise number formation.
We hope this has given you some STEM inspo for your budding Bill Gates or exceptional Einstein. Tag us in some of your clever tonies® play set ups over on Instagram @tonies_uk, we looooove to see it and share!
About Amy Blanchard
