RMIT GD108: Early Childhood Integrated Play and STEM Report

This report, submitted by Oluwanifemi Elizabeth Akinola for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) at RMIT University, details the design of an integrated play provocation and learning area. The report focuses on incorporating STEM concepts into a play-based learning environment, including the use of a numeric carpet, abacus, and environmental elements to stimulate curiosity and develop numeric and environmental skills. It also considers the integration of technology through computers and online resources. The report further analyzes the role of adults and international teaching strategies in supporting learning, emphasizing the importance of providing guidance, sketches, and play materials. The design outcomes prioritize an aesthetically pleasing, home-like environment that minimizes noise and maximizes the use of visual aids like charts and drawings to enhance learning. The report covers integrating mathematics, technology, and science concepts, emphasizing hands-on activities and exploration to foster curiosity and creativity in children aged 3-6.

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
Name: Oluwanifemi Elizabeth Akinola
Student Number: S3779407
Course: Graduate Diploma in Education Early Childhood - [GD108]
Assessment Topic: Integrated play provocation or learning area
Institution: RMIT
Date: 29:03:2019

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
The general size and outlook of the design. Learning charts on the wall
The floor of the design

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
Introduction
The essay includes the resources needed in construction of effective design and also the processes used in
integrating STEM concepts in learning. The last part analyses the role of adult and international teaching
strategies in learning. In order to create a classroom environment, the existing physical space must be
considered. Every possible area of the entire classroom must be designed to create a surrounding which
literally encourages both participation and learning. This essay thus discusses these aspects in detail
Discussion
The designed learning area with photographic evidence attached above shows the incorporation of a play based
learning area and focuses on the integration of Math STEM by the use of the numeric carpet on the flooring
and abacus toy included in this design, it provokes the curiosity of the children towards counting and horns
their numeric skills.
The play area also integrates some environmental elements with the use of photographic illustration of plants
and animals this provokes the learning of the children towards gaining more insights towards environmental
factors and elements.
In order to integrate the children to new concepts; the design I created also provided the necessary space for
gadgets that will help them learn through online. Use of computers and laptops will help in integrating the
learning learned from the class. The children will access online sources which will reveal s some elementally
concepts necessary for academic development for the children. Also, making good use of electronic devices
when teaching children will help in imparting technological skills to children (Gertler et al., 2014). Introducing
children to new websites that will help children to observe some phenomena.
The learning area is in form of a rectangular location of 4 meters by 3 meters. The walls are covered with
appealing paints that have different pictures supporting the STEM content.

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
Also, closed-ended materials such as puzzles was made available thus introducing children to new concepts
of STEM for young ages.
The Use of appealing paints and charts on the wall is significant. The design floor of the area is appropriate
for the children. The floor is smooth and the children can draw images on the floor with a marker pen. The
walls will support the charts and other images useful for learning STEM concepts. I will consider the design
outcomes that are the area should be aesthetically pleasing – a home like. The colors and design textures are
appealing. The noise and the density of children should be minimized if possible.
The blackboards will be used for drawing by the children. The compound surrounding the design will be useful
for providing clay that will help children to design what they are imagining and also design images (Blackwell,
Lauricella & Wartella, 2014).
Integration of STEM concepts.
The following description reveals how learning will be integrated into the new design. Integrating mathematics
related concepts the first aspects which account for integration of mathematics concepts start with counting.
This will help children learn and count as they are being introduced to numerical numbers. Counting objects
will be appropriate and after this, the children can start some basics such as adding and subtracting (Britto et
al., 2017).
Also, one can still integrate math games with the everyday objects experienced by the children. This shows
that children will be introduced in new mathematics concepts. There are hot games that will help children
master math concepts such as Yahtzee games which have to enable children to start enjoying the concepts
expected in mathematics.
Integrating technology related concepts when teaching children. Currently, children are using technology than
ever before. This shows that innovations have transformed the education since we can access some concepts
online so long as one can access technology (Denham, Bassett & Zinsser, 2012).

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
Integrating science-related concepts when teaching children. Allowing children to learn science concepts will
be achieved by integrating the following tips in my design; first I will give children maximum time to explore
new concepts. Generally, children always learn science through trial and error. It will be good to integrate
some experiments with new images and charts when teaching children on concepts of science. Teachers ought
to allow children to think on their own thus helping to impart science-related skills to the children of 3-6 years
old (McManis & Gunnewig, 2012).
Also, the issue of curiosity and creativity should be integrated into new objects modeled by the children in the
class. The issue is that science starts by building curiosity whereby the new design will allow the use of
observation skills thus helping to answer science-related questions. The drawings on the walls will build the
issue of creativity and curiosity. Science is always applied everywhere, therefore, integrating the normal daily
activities with concepts related to science will help children to develop skills needed in learning science. For
example, observing the questions children are asking and what experiments they are trying will form a better
basis for learning science.
The role of adult and international teaching strategies to support learning. The adults and teaching strategies
form the foundation for learning of STEM concepts.Teaching strategies will help children to complete
assignments and also give guidance on how to handle some concepts in the class (Richter et al., 2017).
Also, adults and teaching strategies help in providing sketches to children thus introducing them to new models
needed in learning. Translating thoughts to images and sketches encourages critical and creative thinking for
children in school. Sketches guide kids to think by use of different mental skill set and also helping them to
draw an idea.
Lastly, adults help children play in different ways. Adults provide toys and other equipment which helps in
learning (Shonkoff, Richter, van der Gaag & Bhutta, 2012). Showing directions on how to use academic
gadgets such as pencils, use of drawing paints and also use of tables will help kids to learn in class. The role
of teaching strategies will help in ensuring that children understand the key concepts such as calculating simple

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
concepts, using observation skills to handle science related readings and also operating technological gadgets
helpful for learning.
Conclusion
In conclusion the overall design that was created for learning by children includes features such as learning
charts. On integration of STEM concepts more precisely math, environmental and technology. Early childhood
education should emphasize on key aspects that will help children to gain useful knowledge. The international
strategies in learning boost the overall atmosphere needed for learning by kids in school.

Assignment 1-TCHE2560
References
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