Supporting STEM Learning at Home and Nursery

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) learning starts early – and that nurturing children’s natural curiosity about the world helps build a strong foundation for future success.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) highlights the importance of children exploring, experimenting, and problem-solving through play. STEM activities do exactly that: they spark creativity, build critical thinking skills, and encourage children to ask “Why?” and “How?”

Why STEM Matters in Early Years

STEM isn’t just about complex experiments or screens, it’s about understanding the world around us, from watching how plants grow to building towers with blocks.

Through STEM play, children develop:

• Observation skills (noticing changes, patterns, and differences)
• Problem-solving abilities (figuring out how to make something work)
• Language skills (talking about their ideas and discoveries)
• Fine motor skills (manipulating tools and materials)

STEM and Sustainability: Learning to Care for Our Planet

As a sustainable early year’s provider, we weave environmental awareness into STEM learning. Children explore nature, investigate recycling, and experiment with natural materials, learning to respect and protect the planet while discovering science and maths concepts.

Simple STEM Activities to Try at Home

Here are some easy, eco-friendly STEM activities you can do with your child:

1. Plant Science: Grow seeds in recycled containers and observe how they change daily. Talk about what plants need to grow.
2. Water Play Maths: Use cups, spoons, and bowls to explore volume and measurement in the garden or bath.
3. Building Challenges: Use natural materials like sticks, stones, and leaves to create structures. Test which designs hold up best!
4. Shadow Exploration: On a sunny day, trace shadows of objects or your child to explore light and shape.
5. Sorting and Classifying: Collect natural items like pinecones or shells and sort by size, colour, or texture.

Supporting STEM Through EYFS Learning Goals

STEM activities link directly to many areas of the EYFS, including:

• Understanding the World: Learning about nature, technology, and change.
• Mathematics: Recognising patterns, counting, and measuring.
• Expressive Arts and Design: Using creativity in building and exploring materials.

Our early years settings encourage STEM learning daily, using curiosity and play as the best teachers.

Partnering with Families

You don’t need special equipment to support STEM at home – just everyday items and a sense of wonder! We encourage parents to join us in fostering a love of discovery by sharing ideas, observations, and questions.

If you’d like more STEM activity ideas or resources, please ask a member of our team. Together, we can help our children become confident, creative problem-solvers of the future.