Inspiring Hands-On Learning
gaining transferable strategies and STEAM concepts though a variety of experiences
The mission of Seedlings Educators Collaborative is to honor, support and connect Connecticut educators by offering ongoing opportunities to share and learn from one another, our facilitators, and community resources. Our Summer Workshop provides an environment to reaffirm a common passion for education and welcomes a diverse group of pre-K to Grade six teachers from public, independent and parochial schools. In a supportive and actively engaging setting, educators forge ongoing relationships and community connections–and leave with the tools to support them throughout their careers.
Throughout the week-long workshop, teachers come together to learn and share transferable strategies and STEAM concepts though a variety of experiences, including visits to local parks and museums and hands-on activities with experts in areas such as child development, art, technology, science, and history.
Child Development
Reclaiming Kindergarten by Going Back to the Basics
As schools and districts place increasing emphasis on scores from high-stakes testing, teachers receive less autonomy in developing experiences and curriculum that engage students in meaningful learning. Over the course of one year, teachers revamped their kindergarten program, putting children’s development and interests in their rightful place as the centerpiece of curriculum by bringing play back into the classroom.
Recognizing and Coping with Stressors and Trauma in the Classroom
Key information about stress and trauma and how it might exhibit in preschool and elementary-age classrooms. We are also reminded of the care and support teachers need when working with (and worrying about) children who have experienced trauma and moderate or extreme stress. Geared for K-5 educators, this film is a must-watch for classroom teachers, as well as school administrators.
Creating Spaces for Ideas to Blossom in the Classroom
Ideas take time to develop, but everyone, including young people, has ideas–they just need the knowledge, space and encouragement to share them and put them into action. Schools can be essential settings for children to learn how to have ideas and grow them.
Encouraging Curiosity in the Classroom: Small Changes for Big Impact
There is no one answer or method to teaching our students, says educational psychologist Susan Engel, Ph.D. There are small, transferable techniques that any teacher can bring into their classroom to encourage curiosity.
What should we expect from a 5th grader?
There are academic, behavioral and social-emotional benchmarks we expect of our general education students, no matter the year, but fifth grade, in particular, brings about new expectations as students move from lower elementary to more focused academic work, classroom transitions, and the need for organization and multitasking, among other important skills.
Block building Incorporates Science, Math and All STEAM Disciplines
Block building incorporates learning in all areas of a child’s development – science, math, literacy, social studies, motor and social-emotional growth. In this piece, we’re going to focus on math and science, two important elements of STEM learning.
Ideas & Activities
Watch Students Explore Gravity Concepts And Problem Solve through STEM
J.S. Martinez Magnet School’s STEM Resource Teacher Alyssa Granata-Basso welcomed Seedlings Educators Collaborative to observe students don their engineering hats in a hands-on problem-solving lesson exploring gravity. In teams, students designed, built, tested, and re-engineered a traveling vehicle to protect Alyssa’s friend “Eggbert” from the impact of landing.
Thunder Cake: Explore Weather, Feelings of Fear and More
Patricia Polacco’s story can be a springboard for many activities including weather studies and conversations about students’ personal fears and concerns.
“I Need a Break” Classroom Activities from Author and Fifth-Grade Educator Kimberly Behre Kenna
We all have those times when we need a short “fall-back” activity in our pocket to give us or our students a quick break in order to get back to originally scheduled programming. Educator and author Kim Behre Kenna offers up some of her favorites in this interview.
Ideas for Teaching Writing to Elementary School Students
Author and educator Kimberly Behre Kenna offers up some ideas for teaching writing, writing prompts, writing-related activities, and encouraging peer editing.
Socks & Seeds: An Adaptation Exploration
The objective of this activity is to help students understand the different ways that seeds adapt in order to be transported for dispersal and species survival.
Save the Lighthouse! A STEAM Activity
The goal of this activity is to explore how landscapes are impacted by different natural and man-made influences.
