One strategy for asking great questions is focusing on “what” instead of “why.” When you ask “why” questions, it implies there is a correct answer and the child is being tested. For example, if you ask, “Why is the magnet sticking to that kind of metal?” you may be just as unable to answer that question as the child is. But when you ask “what” questions, you’re starting a conversation and exploring right along with your children. “What” questions focus on what is happening, what you are noticing, and what you are doing—and those answers are right in front of you and your kids.

Our Little Professors curriculum is build around the STEM subjects, each week we follow a different theme including the below subjects.

The Earth and Space Sciences describe the properties of the earth, ocean, atmosphere, and universe, It includes geology and astronomy.

The Physical Sciences investigate natural forces and the basic elements in natural substances. The Life Sciences include the study of living things (what they are, how they survive, their life cycles, how they change). Young children need concrete experiences that enable them to observe, categorize, compare, and contrast living things. The three major components of the life sciences are biology, physiology, and ecology.

Technology/Engineering involves finding out how things are constructed and work, and thinking about what can make them work differently/better.

Science tries to understand the natural world; the goal of engineering is to solve practical problems through the development of technologies. Technologies developed through engineering include the systems that provide our houses with water and heat; roads, bridges, tunnels, and the cars that we drive; airplanes and spacecraft; cellular telephones; televisions and computers.

Preschool children can begin to develop concepts in engineering as they design, build, and test solutions through their play in our classes—as they construct sand castles and build cities out of blocks. They can also begin to understand that tools help people do things better or more easily, or do some things that could otherwise not be done at all.