Young Engineers
A child’s curiosity and creativity enables a natural desire to explore their surroundings, experiment with different materials, and build structures using their imaginations. Through hands-on exploration, experimentation, and observation, educators can introduce basic scientific concepts in ways that are engaging and developmentally appropriate for our young learners. Last month at Sonnets, we dove deeper into the exciting world of science! Activities such as nature walks, simple experiments, and sensory experiences, allowed children to learn about the properties of materials, the weather, plants and animals, and other scientific phenomena, developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world all around us.
Our young engineers are problem solvers and innovators. They are unafraid to take risks, try new ideas, and learn from their mistakes. Through hands-on activities and open-ended challenges, young engineers develop critical thinking skills, spatial reasoning, and collaboration as they work together to design and construct their creations.
Sensory Explorers
As toddlers explore their environment, they are drawn to different textures, colors, sounds, tastes, and smells - each sensory experience helping them to build connections in their developing brains. Engaging in sensory play:
captivates curiosity
enhances cognitive, social, and emotional development
creates meaningful experiences
What?, Why?, How?…
By introducing simple concepts like cause and effect through hands-on experiments, children can begin to understand the world around them in a tangible way. February was full of interactive activities such as mixing colors to create new ones, observing the growth of plants, & experimenting with different textures and materials - always making the learning process fun & exciting!
A “Lovely” Month
By incorporating activities that promote empathy, compassion, and respect for others, educators can instill values that lay the foundation for positive social interactions. Last month, we encouraged acts of kindness by creating art for our friends at the La Rabida Children’s Hospital, teaching the importance of caring for others. We also enjoyed family events across our locations to celebrate a month filled with LOVE!
THE SONNeTS LEARNING PHILOSoPHY
Sonnets embraces a balanced approach to early childhood education: nurturing your child’s social-emotional skills, their excitement about play & discovery, and their confidence & readiness for future learning. Sonnets has developed a comprehensive roadmap of developmentally-appropriate curricular objectives from early infancy through pre-kindergarten. Teachers incorporate objectives into lesson plans and continuously assess each child’s proficiency in each skill to aid in personalization.
Active and experiential learning comes alive through whole group, small group, individual, and pairs-based instruction. Open-ended stations and free play place the focus on the process of engaging in the activity rather than on a desired outcome — encouraging creativity, curiosity, and overall cognitive engagement. Hands-on projects reinforce a collaborative approach to a community-based learning environment.
