Y’all know I’m a teacher.
Y’all know I love those teachable moments.
And y’all know how much I love it when I see curiosity sparked in my children.
Last month, I was invited to the press launch of Engineering for Kids Adventure Camp. Because Diego and I were coming from our McDo Kiddie Crew activity just in Fort, we were able to take our time and really explore all of the centers that were set up for each of the activities that the Adventure Camp showcased.
Diego jumped right in and learned about rocket science.
I really planned for us to spend the day together. I feel like we have been battling it out lately and I know it’s because I need to spend some more time with him. There are moments when I forget he’s still a little boy. (He’s actually this wise old man who is really spiritual, and trapped inside a 9 year old body.) He gets grumpy, he acts out when he’s tired and I know for a fact he eats too much sugar if I’m not paying close attention.
I try to take advantage of the events that I’m invited to by bringing along only ONE of my kids to each activity. It allows for extra time for us to bond.
I knew that this particular activity would be the highlight of his day. (But seriously? How do we beat our McDo Kiddie crew experience?) You know how? By telling this boy that we are scoping out the activities for his next birthday party…
Most kids are hands on learners…give them something to manipulate with their hands and they will most definitely have fun learning.
I have to admit…when I first heard of some of the courses that Engineering for Kids were offering, I was curious. Based on what we saw at the press launch, I was not disappointed. I learned that this particular program for kids comes from the states. I learned that there are some very smart women behind this program here in the Philippines and I learned that a teacher started it all…
Through Chemical Engineering the kids will discover the principals of chemical reactions by making slime.
Engineering for Kids is based on a new take of teaching and learning. STEM.
Through Game Design the kids as young as 7 years old can write their own video games.
STEM is the short for SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATHEMATICS. All these subjects are taught in an easy to digest hands-on way. The kids get to explore, theorize, and eventually, problem solve. This approach to education guides the children to think, and work in a more practical way by allowing them to overcome challenges, assess risks, and come to the solution through their own exploration and discovery. It’s practical and sets the stage for future learning.
In Electrial Engineering classes the children will learn circuitry and how to make a flashlight from household items.
Engineering for Kids is made up of 10 different engineering programs specifically designed as an afterschool program for kids as young as four years old and all the way up to fourteen years old. These programs include:
- Marine Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Game Design
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Diego exploring the mechanics of circuitry and aeronautical engineering.
With children grouped in two levels (4-6 years old and 7-14 years old) the STEM program can help them work through real life situations allowing them to be more imaginative while developing their problem-solving skills.
Both Connor and Kailee were amazed with the mechanics of the catapult in Mechanical Engineering.
One thing that I observed during the launch was the fact that the kids were all quietly exploring each of the stations and going back to the stations that they truly enjoyed. Actually, Connor never left this station and continued to load and reload his catapult time and time again…
Even when these mommas were tired from the day’s excitement and decided to sit down and enjoy each other’s company, the food, and the quiet…
The kids just kept on playing…
And playing…
Most kids are hands on learners…give them something to manipulate with their hands and they will most definitely have fun learning.
And learning…
Through Electrical Engineering the kids can explore their understanding of circuits…
And most of the time…with programs like these where exploration and hands on learning is coupled with the understanding of concepts that the children will develop…
There is a little lightbulb that turns on.
And that can lead to so much more…
02-975-4867
0917-551-8705
info@smilegroup.org.in
Love it Michelle Ann! My grandson will be a great engineer! No grass will grow under Diego’s feet and that is for sure! He is one smart cookie and I love him so very very much! I can see the wheels turning whenever I talk to him absorbing every word! I am extremely careful of my choice of words whenever we are together. Like I once told you if I new you all and your siblings were listening so closely to what I said I would have been much more careful of what I was saying! SO happy you are raising your children in this fashion! Remember they are like sponges!