Infant wild and Playtime Science-Incredible babies steam stem Play
SPARKING EARLY CURIOSITY:
PLAYTime STEAM FOR INFANTS
Excerpts By: I'm The Chef Too Team and NAEYC
This page is written for my ever curious granddaughter who makes every effort
to create an adventure everyday to explore the wonders of her world.
Imagine a tiny hand reaching out to grasp a crinkly toy, eyes wide with wonder as a simple rattle makes a sound, or a baby giggling uncontrollably as you play peek-a-boo. These aren't just adorable moments; they are the very beginnings of scientific exploration, technological understanding, engineering design, and mathematical thinking.
It’s never too early to introduce young learners to STEM concepts and science explorations! Science experiences even the littlest learners the opportunity to discover and understand STEM concepts through hands-on learning. Kaplan’s selection of science materials, resources, and activities gives children an opportunity to develop critical science skills, explore the world around them, and embrace their natural curiosity and wonder!
Yes, even in their earliest months, infants are natural scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, constantly observing, experimenting, and building their understanding of the world. And know that you can find science in every toy and the type of play that they encourage.
Stacking & Nesting Toys: Explore balance, size, order, and cause & effect (what happens when I stack them high?). Shape Sorters: Introduce early geometry, problem-solving, and matching. Balls (V arious Sizes): Teach concepts of motion, gravity, rolling, and tracking objects. Bubbles: A sensory delight! Teaches light, air, movement, and encourages reaching/chasing. Discovery Mirrors: Help with self-awareness and understanding reflections. Simple Musical Toys/Mats: Introduce sound, rhythm, and how actions create sounds (cause & effect). Push/Pull Toys & Ride-Ons: Develop gross motor skills, balance, and the concept of force. Toys with Dials, Knobs, Switches: Teach mechanical action and immediate feedback. Pipettes/Droppers (with supervision/water) : Simple introduction to liquid behavior and control. Soft Blocks: Building and knocking down teaches physics basics in a safe way.
Everyday Science Experiences (No Specific Toy Needed!):
Water Play: Let them splash with cups and containers (supervised). Exploring Textures: Different fabrics, sand, water, leaves. Following Light: Shine a flashlight or use a simple torch.
Activities For
Playtime Science
for Babies
Playtime Science- PDF
Overview for This Webpage
Baby Physics- Balls- Cars Things That Roll
Playtime Science-Fabulus Physics
Playtime Science -Physics and Chemistry of Playdough
Playtime Science- Resources for Parent
Playtime Science- Botany & Nature Play
Playtime Science -Hydrology & Fluid Dynamics in Painting
Playtime Science -Pre-Chemisty Play
Playtime Science-Why spend time outside?
Playtime Science- STEAM Resources and Books
Playtime Science-Discovery Games
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Now I have been defending my belief that most art and play is based on foundational science since the early ‘80’s in seminars, websites and training programs. Ok, I am old now (65) so I can understand how some young students and workers are questioning the relevance of my concepts in today's world. But in a seminar last year, one arrogant student recently asked me why I am the only website to make the claim that both art and play are based in science.
My response was that I didn’t notice that being true. And that there is tons of supportive data all over the web that art and play build a scientific understanding of our world in their little minds.
So even with me saying I was going to stop writing, I am writing a response to this dilemma or challenge.
Playtime Science
Exploring Science
While Painting
While Painting
Painting is basically the movement of liquid as in hydrology and chemistry interplays if you make your own pain t.
Painting is deeply intertwined with science through the chemistry of materials (pigments, binders), the physics of light and color (how we see hues), the biology of perception, and the artistic documentation/communication of scientific concepts , using skills like observation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving common to both fields. Artists explore light, while scientists use art to visualize data and explain complex ideas, making them complementary ways of understanding the world.
Inspiring Discovery: Art can show potential scientific realities (like exoplanets before discovery) or present phenomena (like clouds) in new ways, sparking scientific questions and theories.
Shared Processes & Skills
Inquiry: Both fields rely on deep observation, asking questions, exploring, and interpreting the world.
Experimentation: Both involve trial and error, testing hypotheses (or color mixes), and developing new methods.
Examples of Intersection
Scientific Illustration: From ancient cave paintings to modern biology diagrams, art documents scientific findings.
Artist-Scientists: Artists like James Turrell use engineering and light science to create immersive art, while scientists use art to conceptualize.
Communicating Scientific Concepts Through Art
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May 15, 2024 — that most activities are actually Global rather than specific to one side or while this may seem like a relatively har…
Using crayons or markers Mark making for littles Using stencils or silhouettes **Using fun paint brushes in different ways **Using different surfaces to create on **Using art stamps of all kinds (inclding fruit and veggies) How to spread glitter, tissue paper, natural elements **How to use clear contact paper for easy collages and suncatchers How to make a home (or background) for a sticker, stamp or silhouette **Using stick glue, school glue, mod podge, tape **How to create interesting layers in a collage **How to tear paper for a collage or suncatcher How to use scissors or tearing paper **Choosing which paint or glue to use How to make drawing fun Using embellishments and nature Pre-Sort your supplies into surfaces, tools, and mediums or materials. Exerpts from our Art For Babies pages on our Making Art Possible website.
ART STEAM PDF's
Download to view, save or print
Easy Collage PDF
Exploring Science With
Collage and Building Items
Collage
Playing with Collage (paper and felt) and building items (loose parts and blocks) bring forth creativity and art skills, physics and engineering play.
Creating collages and building play are foundational to science for babies because they foster ** curiosity , exploration , problem-solving , and understanding physical properties ** through hands-on testing, comparing, sorting, and hypothesizing about materials, building skills like balance, space, and measurement naturally, all key elements of scientific inquiry and STEAM . These open-ended activities let babies test cause-and-effect (what happens when I stack this?), observe differences (big vs. small, heavy vs. light), and develop cognitive flexibility, laying the groundwork for scientific thinking.
Building Play (Blocks, Loose Parts) Links to Science:
Physics & Engineering: Stacking blocks teaches gravity, balance, and structure; arranging sticks or rocks demonstrates stability and forces (Newton's Laws).
Measurement & Geometry: Lining things up, using boxes to see what fits, or comparing sizes introduces early math and spatial concepts.
Cause & Effect: Knocking down towers shows consequences; figuring out how to build higher is experimentation.
Hypothesis Testing: "What if I put this heavy block on top?".
How Collage (Nature, Textures) Links to Science:
Observation & Classification: Sorting leaves by color, shape, or texture develops observational skills.
Sensory Exploration: Touching different materials (feathers, sand, fabric) teaches about physical properties and textures, a core science activity.
Art as Data: Creating a nature collage or journal documents discoveries, helping babies recall and compare experiences, which supports memory and revisiting scientific observations.
STEAM Integration: It connects Art (color, texture) with Science (properties, observation) and Math (sorting, counting items).
The Core Scientific Skills Developed:
Inquiry: Asking "what if" and "why".
Prediction: Guessing what might happen.
Comparison: "Which is bigger/smoother?".
Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to attach items or build something stable.
Documentation: Drawing or talking about creations.
Babies learn science through felt play by exploring sensory details (texture, color), cause & effect (pulling pieces off, making patterns), and early physics (stacking, fitting shapes), developing foundational STEM skills like observation, comparison, and problem-solving in a safe, hands-on way, guided by caregiver language that names concepts like "soft," "match," "up," or "sink/float".
Sensory Exploration & Properties:
Touch: Babies feel the soft, fuzzy texture of felt versus other surfaces, learning about material properties.
Sight: Vibrant felt colors teach color recognition, matching, and contrast, essential for visual science.
Cause & Effect (Physics/Action-Reaction):
When a baby pulls a felt shape off a board, they learn their action causes a reaction (the piece detaches).
Stacking felt shapes shows gravity and stability; watching them fall teaches about forces.
Patterns & Sequences:
Arranging red, blue, red, blue felt pieces introduces simple repeating patterns, a core math/science skill.
Creating life cycles (egg to frog) teaches sequences and transformations in nature.
Spatial Awareness & Geometry:
Fitting shapes together (circles in circles) develops understanding of how objects relate in space, notes this article from I'm The Chef Too and this piece from firstthingsfirst.org.
Classification & Sorting:
Sorting felt shapes by color, size, or type helps build early classification skills, key for biology and chemistry.
Language: Narrate actions ("You put the blue shape next to the red one," "It's soft!") to build vocabulary for scientific concepts, says this Head Start article.
Open-Ended Questions: Ask "I wonder what happens if..." to encourage inquiry, notes this Head Start article.
Modeling & Experimentation: Create simple scenarios, like pretending felt objects "sink" or "float," notes this article from The Busy Bee Board.
Safe Exploration: Provide plenty of time and a secure environment for the baby to touch, move, and explore at their own pace, according to this Head Start article.
Art Skills for Littles or New Artists
Hopeful Art Inquires for Babies /Toddlers
Ultimate Felt Ideas Page
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Art for Babies and Toddlers
Ultimate Playdough Page
Hopeful Art Collage
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Exploring Science with Duplo’s and Puzzles for Babies and Up
Duplo play and puzzles build an understanding of physics and engineering.
Duplo play and puzzles are fundamentally linked to early science for babies by building core STEM skills: they teach cause & effect, balance, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and early math concepts (shapes, sizes, counting) through hands-on exploration, fostering curiosity and the ability to understand how the world works long before formal schooling.
Duplo blocks specifically are foundational for science in babies by teaching core STEM concepts like cause-and-effect, gravity, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, fine motor skills, physics (balance, stability), math (counting, shapes, patterns), and engineering principles (structure, loading), all through hands-on, sensory play that develops cognitive abilities and prepares them for more complex learning. In essence, Duplo blocks turn playtime into a laboratory, allowing babies to experiment with the physical world in a safe, engaging way that directly supports their scientific understanding and future academic success.
Core Scientific Concepts Taught by Duplo
Physics & Engineering: Stacking teaches gravity, balance, and structural integrity (what makes a tower fall vs. stay up), introducing static loads and stability.
Cause & Effect: Babies learn that pushing a block causes it to move, or stacking too high causes a collapse, demonstrating direct consequences.
Spatial Reasoning: Building helps them understand how shapes fit together in space, crucial for math and science.
Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to build a stable structure or a specific shape fosters critical thinking.
Math Skills: Counting blocks, recognizing colors, and understanding size differences build early math foundations.
Fine Motor & Coordination: Grasping, connecting, and placing chunky Duplo bricks refines hand-eye coordination and finger control.
Cognitive Development: It encourages logical thinking, planning actions (like stacking), and understanding object properties.
Curiosity & Inquiry: Playing with different materials and seeing how they behave promotes exploration and questioning.
Building Blocks for STEM: Duplo play directly builds skills needed for later STEM subjects, linking sensory experiences to abstract concepts like measurement, geometry, and engineering design.
Foundation for LEGO: It's a gentle transition to more complex LEGO sets, teaching basic building techniques and fostering a passion for creation.
By manipulating blocks and fitting puzzle pieces, toddlers experiment with physics (gravity, stability) and logic (how things fit), directly mirroring scientific inquiry.
Cause & Effect (Physics): Stacking blocks shows that if you don't balance them, they fall (gravity). Putting a puzzle piece in the wrong spot shows it doesn't fit, but the right spot works.
Spatial Reasoning: Figuring out how shapes fit, mentally rotating them, and seeing how parts make a whole are crucial for engineering and math.
Problem-Solving: Building a tall tower or completing a puzzle requires analyzing challenges, testing solutions, and thinking critically – core scientific processes.
Early Math: They learn about counting, comparing sizes (big/small), recognizing shapes, and understanding patterns and symmetry.
Curiosity & Inquiry: Exploring how materials interact (What happens if I add this? Will it stay?) fosters the natural "why" and "how" questions of science.
Motor Skills: Grasping and connecting bricks develops fine motor skills, essential for later scientific tasks like writing or lab work.
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Exploring Science with Playdough and Loose Parts
Playdough and loose parts tinkering are also physics and engineering play.
Playing with playdough is deeply connected to science by teaching fundamental concepts in chemistry (mixtures, reactions), physics (forces, volume, states of matter), and earth science (geological models), while also boosting math, engineering, and critical thinking skills through hands-on exploration, recipe following, and creative modeling. It turns abstract ideas into tangible experiences, like mixing colors (pigments), seeing fizzing reactions (acid-base), or sculpting 3D shapes (spatial reasoning).
Chemistry & Material Science
Mixtures & Reactions: Making playdough shows how ingredients (flour, salt, water) combine into a new substance with unique properties. Adding baking soda and vinegar creates fizzing acid-base reactions.
Properties of Matter: Kids learn about texture (smooth, lumpy), consistency, and how heat or additives change materials.
Forces: Squishing, poking, and pulling demonstrate pushes, pulls, and the effects of force.
Volume & Shape: Creating different shapes from the same amount of dough shows that volume stays the same even as shape changes (e.g., a ball into a snake).
Earth & Biology (Modeling)
Geology: Playdough models can represent rock layers, erosion, or landforms, helping visualize complex geological concepts.
Biology: Children can build models of atoms, cells, or animals, connecting tactile play to biological structures.
Math & Engineering (STEM)
Measurement: Measuring ingredients for homemade dough involves fractions, units, and counting.
Geometry: Identifying shapes (spheres, cubes, triangles) and understanding spatial relationships.
Technology/Engineering: Using tools (knives, rollers) for shaping and design applies basic engineering principles.
Scientific Method & Literacy
Experimentation: Asking "what if" questions (more water? different color?) encourages prediction and testing.
Vocabulary: Using words like "wet," "dry," "mix," "dissolve," and "texture" builds scientific vocabulary.
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Babies learn science concepts in loose parts play by hands-on exploration, discovering properties like weight, texture, gravity, and cause-and-effect through touching, stacking, and dropping materials, fostering inquiry, problem-solving, and developing foundational understanding of physics and material science as they experiment with open-ended items like blocks, balls, and natural objects.
Gravity & Force: Rolling balls down ramps (gutters, boards) or dropping objects from heights helps them understand gravity and motion. Balance: Stacking blocks or balancing items teaches concepts of stability and weight. Motion: Pushing and pulling objects shows how to start, stop, or change movement.
Texture & Weight: Feeling smooth bowls versus scratchy loofas or heavy wood slices versus light fabric teaches material differences. States of Matter: Playing with ice introduces melting, freezing, and temperature. Properties: Exploring how different materials (string, planks, wood slices) behave, float, or sink.
Cause & Effect: Dropping a spoon makes a sound; a ball rolls down a slope. Prediction: "What if I stack this block here?" or "What happens if I push it?". Observation: Noticing shadows, colors, and how light interacts with objects.
How it Works for Babies & Toddlers
Sensory Exploration: Infants use all senses, tasting, touching, and shaking objects to learn about the world. Open-Ended Play : Materials like tubes, baskets, and fabric have no single purpose, inviting experimentation and discovery. Motor Skills: Scooping, filling, dumping, and balancing build coordination while exploring science.
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Sensory & Physical Science: Cause & Effect: Dropping toys, splashing water, or rolling balls teaches physics fundamentals (gravity, motion). Properties of Matter: Feeling textures (playdough, sand, water) and observing how liquids flow. Motion & Force: Pushing cars, spinning tops, or watching things fall explores movement and forces. Life Science (Biology): Animal/Plant Behavior: Small worlds with farm or zoo themes let kids act out animal sounds, diets, and habitats, learning about life. Nature Exploration: Using magnifiers or collecting natural items (leaves, stones) fosters observation skills. Scientific Thinking (Inquiry): Observation: Babies closely watch how things work or interact within their tiny worlds. Hypothesis Testing: Pretending a toy "flies" or "sinks" is a simple form of testing ideas. Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to build a bridge for a toy car involves planning and executing steps. Vocabulary: Naming animals, actions (splash, zoom), and objects builds language crucial for science. Cognitive Skills: Executive Function: Open-ended play builds planning, self-regulation, and flexible thinking, which are key for complex learning.
The "Science" in Play
Small World Play: Creating mini-environments (farms, cities, forests) with figures and loose parts (fabric, pebbles) allows for role-playing and enacting scenarios, teaching about systems and interactions. Retail Playsets: Specific toys like magnetic tiles, shape sorters, or water tables offer structured ways to learn concepts like geometry, magnetism, and liquid dynamics.
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Sensory Exploration: Touching playdough, feeling water, seeing objects fall, or hearing sounds from different materials teaches properties and reactions. Cause & Effect: Pushing toys down ramps, dropping objects in water (floating/sinking), or seeing how things move teaches basic physics. Observation & Inquiry: Watching mini-animals in a pretend habitat or experimenting with tools like scoops develops observational skills. Hypothesis & Testing: Imagining a toy animal crossing a bridge and figuring out how to build it tests simple ideas. Language & Concepts: Adults narrate ("The block is heavy," "The water is wet"), linking sensory experiences to words and concepts like gravity or habitats.
Marilyn Fleer -YouTube • Feb 10, 2023
Physics: Building with blocks (balance, gravity), rolling toy cars on different surfaces (friction, speed). Biology/Ecology: Creating a farm with animals, exploring textures like leaves and twigs, learning about different environments. Chemistry (Basic): Mixing water with sand or water play itself (dissolving, flow). Engineering: Figuring out how to make a structure stable or move a "heavy" object.
Provide Materials: Offer varied textures, natural elements, and simple tools (cups, scoops). Narrate & Question: Describe actions ("You're making the car go fast!") and ask open-ended questions ("What do you think will happen if...?"). Observe & Support: Allow uninterrupted play to foster creativity and problem-solving, intervening only to expand learning with language or new ideas.
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Science
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Exploring Science with Sensory Play Items
Sensory play items and play are great for developing observation, examining, and sorting skills. As well as, hands-on exploration of the world, teaching core scientific concepts like cause-and-effect, chemistry (fizzing reactions), physics (sink or float), properties of matter (texture, density), and encouraging observation, critical thinking, and language development through direct experience, building neural pathways for future STEM learning.
How Sensory Play IS Science
Scientific Method in Action: Children instinctively conduct experiments by mixing sand and water, watching ice melt, or creating baking soda volcanoes, testing hypotheses and observing results.
Chemistry & Physics: Activities like color mixing (food coloring in water), density exploration (sink/float bins), or simple acid-base reactions (vinegar/baking soda) introduce basic chemical and physical principles.
Sensory Integration: Engaging multiple senses (sight, touch, smell, sound) helps build strong brain connections and understand how senses work, a key part of sensory processing and learning.
Language & Cognitive Skills: Describing textures ("squishy," "bumpy"), sounds ("crunchy," "fizzing"), or changes (melting, mixing) builds vocabulary, inference, and problem-solving skills.
Motor Skill Development: Scooping, pouring, and grasping objects in sensory bins refines fine motor skills, crucial for writing and self-care, notes Brightwheel.
This video explains how sensory play acts as a foundation for science:
STEAM with Seleste -YouTube • Oct 22, 2025
Examples of Sensory Science Activities
Fizzing Volcanoes: Baking soda + vinegar + food coloring for a chemical reaction.
Sink or Float Bins: Exploring buoyancy with various objects in water.
Nature Walks: Identifying textures (bark, leaves), sounds (birds), and sights (colors).
Slime/Playdough: Investigating texture, elasticity, and consistency.
You can watch this video for a simple five senses experiment:
Explore Planet English -YouTube • Jul 20, 2021
For many parents and educators, the term "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) often brings to mind complex experiments, coding classes, or advanced robotics. We see STEM – and even STEAM, with the crucial addition of Art – as something fundamental, accessible, and deeply woven into the fabric of everyday discovery, right from birth.
Our mission is to blend food, STEM, and the arts into one-of-a-kind "edutainment" experiences, sparking curiosity and creativity in children of all ages, facilitating family bonding, and providing a screen-free educational alternative. While our signature cooking kits are designed for slightly older hands, our philosophy of hands-on, engaging learning begins much, much earlier.
STEM activities for babies focus on sensory exploration, cause-and-effect, and motor skills using simple, everyday items like blocks, water, and household objects to teach foundational science, tech, engineering, and math through play, such as dropping balls (gravity), stacking cups (engineering), or sorting toys (math). These activities introduce concepts like sorting, counting, building, and exploring physics (like sink or float) in fun, hands-on ways that develop curiosity and problem-solving from infancy.
Science & Technology
Cause & Effect: Shake a rattle, push buttons on safe toys, or drop soft objects from a high chair to see/hear what happens.
Light & Shadow: Use flashlights to explore shadows on walls or foil.
Sink or Float: In water play, let babies drop different safe items (like plastic toys, sponges) to see if they sink or float.
Ice Rescue: Freeze small toys in ice and let babies explore melting them.
This video shows how to explore cause and effect with infants:
Idaho STEM Action Center-YouTube · Jul 11, 2019
Engineering & Math
Building & Stacking: Stack blocks, cups, or rings to learn balance and height.
Ramp Races: Roll balls or cars down simple cardboard ramps to watch them go.
Sensory Bins: Fill bins with items like pom-poms, pasta, or water and add scoops and cups for pouring and exploring volume.
Sorting: Group toys, blocks, or snacks by color, shape, or size.
Shape Hunts: Point out shapes (circles, squares) in nature or around the house.
You can see an example of simple household item play in this video:
By A Physicist -YouTube · Oct 15, 2023
Nature Walks: Point out leaves, rocks, clouds, and animals.
Playdough: Explore textures and colors with homemade playdough.
Musical Instruments: Use egg shakers, drums, or kitchen utensils to explore sounds.
Use everyday items: Spoons, cups, pots, and blankets are great tools.
Focus on the process: Let babies lead, explore, and make messes.
Talk about it: Use words like "up," "down," "big," "small," "more," "loud," "quiet" to build vocabulary.
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids
DIY Blocks Kids will LOVE!
Every kid should have at least one good set of building blocks. Block play stimulates learning in all domains and is researched to lead toward academic success. These DIY blocks for kids make it easy to have enough for everyone!
Kids love to play with blocks and rainbow peg dolls. Click on the link to learn how to make your own!
I have placed this amazing collection of DIY blocks for kids and adults into categories so you can easily find what you are looking for.
There are blocks with the letters of the alphabet, recycled blocks, basic wood blocks, interlocking blocks, colored blocks, painted blocks, house, city, and people blocks, natural blocks, outdoor blocks, and puzzle blocks–whew!
Enjoy making one of these sets or find inspiration to create your own! Click on the link to see the tutorial for each set.
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids: For Baby
Soft Rattle Blocks for Babies | While She Naps
Homemade Personalized Fabric Blocks for Baby | And Next Comes L
DIY Sensory Blocks | Red Ted Art
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids: Alphabet Blocks
ABC Blocks | This and That Creative
Awesome ABC Blocks | Mejia Mamma
Alphabet Blocks | The Questionable Domestic
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids: Recycled Blocks
Toilet Paper Roll Building Blocks | Swoodson Says
DIY Cardboard Tube Construction Set | Picklebums
Cardboard Building Blocks | Sunny Day Family
Quiet Blocks | I Can Teach My Child
Jumbo Building Blocks | The SAHM Survival Guide
Egg Carton Building Blocks | The Pinterested Parent (not pictured)
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids: Plain Wood
Make Your Own Wooden Blocks | Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls
How to Make Wooden Blocks | How to Make Toys
Toy Wood Blocks | Instructables
Build Blocks | Instructables
The Best DIY Blocks for Kids: Specialty
Color Blocks | And Next Comes L
Sand Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Wooden Mirror Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Patterned Wood Blocks | The Imagination Tree
Awesome Interlocking Building Blocks | Improvised Life
Sticky Blocks | No Twiddle Twaddle
Wooden Pull Cart and Building Blocks | Woodworking for Mere Mortals
DIY Pattern Building Blocks | Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls (Not pictured)
DIY Blocks for Kids: Colored & Painted
Rainbow Colored Wooden Blocks | Rhythms of Play
Dyed Rainbow “Grimm Style” Wooden Blocks | Fun at Home with Kids
How to Make Wooden Monster Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Painted Blocks by Kids | Art Bar
Make a Monster Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Wooden Gradient Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Painted Blocks | The Life Jolie (not pictured)
DIY Blocks for Kids: Houses, Cities & People
Chalkboard City Blocks | Hellobee
House Blocks for the Railroad | Adventure in a Box
Stacking House Blocks | Mer Mag
Wooden Block Family | Beci Orpin for The Etsy Blog
Olliblocks | Ollibird
DIY Blocks for Kids: Natural & Outdoor
How to Make Waldorf-Inspired Nature Blocks | Adventure in a Box
Cheap & Easy DIY Outdoor Wooden Blocks | Simply Kierste
Every kid should have at least one good set of blocks. These DIY blocks for kids make it easy to have enough for everyone. Enjoy making one of these sets or find inspiration to create your own!
Your kids may also like to have their own sand and water table,, chalkboard, mud kitchen or sandbox
Science Play Together
Tinkering as a Way to Encourage Deeper STEM Learning
Tinkering is a popular term used in many early learning circles to describe a kind of open-ended learning and play. This article explains the benefits of incorporating tinkering into an early learning classroom to promote STEM learning and offers ideas that you might want to try with the children in your classroom or program.
Tinkering for babies means encouraging playful, open-ended exploration with simple, safe objects to discover cause-and-effect, textures, sounds, and movement, fostering curiosity and foundational learning through sensory experiences like bubbles, blocks, sensory bags, and exploring everyday items with adult support, rather than specific outcomes, building early science, motor, and problem-solving skills. It's about the process of trying, seeing what happens (like shaking a rattle or knocking blocks down), and learning through iterative discovery, guided by an observant adult.
Simple Tinkering Activities for Babies
Cause & Effect Play: Shake homemade rattles (bottles with rice), bat at colorful mobiles, or play with light switches (with supervision).
Sensory Exploration:
Bubbles: Chase and bat at bubbles during tummy time or play.
Sensory Bags: Fill sealable bags with gel, water, or beads (taped securely) for squishing and visual exploration.
Texture Bins: Offer safe, varied items like smooth stones, soft cloths, or crinkly paper.
Building & Knocking: Provide large blocks or soft items for stacking and then joyfully knocking down.
Water Play: Splashing during bath time with cups and toys.
The Adult's Role (Co-Learner)
Provide Materials: Offer simple, developmentally appropriate objects.
Observe & Support: Watch what interests them; don't direct the play.
Ask Questions: Prompt curiosity ("What happens if...?" or "Can you reach that?").
Introduce Complexity: Slowly add new materials or ideas as they master the basics.
Develops fine motor skills (reaching, grasping).
Teaches cause and effect (shake -> sound).
Builds perseverance and resilience (trying again).
Fosters creativity and problem-solving.
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Understanding Science Through Tinkering
Tinkering with babies means safe, sensory, open-ended exploration of objects, focusing on the process (touching, shaking, mouthing, banging) over a final product, guided by an engaged caregiver who provides age-appropriate materials (big, safe, non-choking hazards) and support, fostering curiosity, motor skills, problem-solving, and foundational STEM learning.It's about allowing tiny humans to use their senses and hands to discover "how things work" in a low-stakes, joyful environment.
What Tinkering Looks Like for Babies (Under 12 Months)
Sensory Exploration: Babies learn by grabbing, shaking, squeezing, mouthing, banging, and dropping objects.
Appropriate "Tools": Safe household items, textured fabrics, big blocks, water (in bath), pop-up toys.
Supervision is Key: Always stay close, ensuring items aren't too small (choking hazards) and guiding them away from truly unsafe items.
Engaged Adult Role: You're a co-learner, modeling "wow, this feels bumpy," asking "what if," and supporting their discovery.
This video shows examples of tinkering with toddlers at home:
57s
Children's Museum NH -YouTube • Mar 17, 2020
Benefits of Tinkering
Curiosity & Creativity: Fuels natural interest in the world.
Motor Skills: Develops fine motor skills (grasping, poking) and gross motor skills (reaching, crawling).
Problem-Solving: Figuring out how things fit or work.
Resilience: Learning that mistakes (things falling) are part of exploring.
STEM Foundations: Introduces basic physics (cause/effect, balance) and engineering concepts.
This video explains the benefits of tinkering for children:
1m
Chicago Children's Museum-YouTube • Jul 10, 2020
Key Things to Remember
Process Over Product: The experience of exploring is the goal, not a finished toy.
Open-Ended Play: Provide materials with multiple uses (e.g., blocks, tubes, scarves).
Time & Space: Give them room and uninterrupted time to explore.
Ask Questions: "I wonder what would happen if..." encourages deeper thinking.
“In essence, "tinkering" for babies is safe, supported, sensory play that builds a foundation for lifelong learning and problem-solving.“
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Defining Tinkering
“Tinkering is about hands-on experiences, learning from failures, and unstructured time to explore and invent.”
There are many definitions of tinkering that float around the world of early childhood education. But, generally speaking, tinkering refers to the kind of open-ended, hands-on, focused exploration of a variety of different materials that often leads to new ideas and discoveries.
An NAEYC article explains, “Children initially use their senses to explore the physical properties of materials. They tinker as they take things apart, put things together, figure out how things work, and attempt to build and make creations using tools.”
Tinkering and Early Learning
One of the cornerstones of tinkering is an emphasis on process over product. The end result is less important than the children’s experiences. Tinkering often looks like children making and creating new things, or exploring different parts to investigate how they work together.
To enhance the tinkering experience, we will want to offer a variety of materials for exploration. Tinkering can be supported by asking children open-ended questions like “I wonder what would happen if…?”, by encouraging children to try a variety of approaches, and by reinforcing the satisfaction children can experience when they learn how things work.
For older children, tinkering can be done in a group setting. This offers an opportunity for children to work together and learn important skills in teamwork, problem-solving, collaboration, experimentation, and perseverance.
Of course, we should always consider the age of children in their care and ensure the materials used are safe and developmentally appropriate. Smaller pieces are best for children who are older and less curious about exploring items with their mouths.
An art bar is a table or shelf that displays a variety of art materials for children, such as markers, tape, paper, crayons, stickers, paint and brushes, yarn, or any other materials you have available that children can use for artistic expression.
Legos, or other blocks and building materials are commonly found in makerspaces. Children love to build with open-ended materials that allow them to use their imagination and creativity. Legos and blocks made of wood or foam are great for children to practice building. You might even use empty cardboard boxes or plastic containers for children who want to construct on a larger scale.
Books about science, construction, electronics, or influential people from the field of science can be a great source of creative inspiration for children. You can make the books feel more accessible to the little ones in your classroom by displaying them upright with the book covers at the children’s eye level.
Recycled and found materials, such as paper towels and toilet paper rolls, empty plastic containers, egg cartons, corks, and other found materials are great for children to create with — and they offer an opportunity to engage in conversation about reusing materials!
5 Reasons Why Building Blocks Are Great FOR Development
Who knew that something as simple as a set of building blocks could have such a profound impact on toddler development? In today’s post, I am going to share 5 reasons why building blocks are good for toddler development.
Building blocks are a classic child’s toy. If you look online or at any given store, you will find countless numbers of building block sets. From wood to plastic to silicone, there are more options to choose from than we could ever need.
Call me a purist, but when it comes to building blocks, wood is my material of choice. Perhaps because it’s classic, or perhaps it’s because I have a slight addiction to wooden toys now that I have a kid. Maybe I’m making up for missing out on things in my own childhood. Who knows. 🤷
I always knew that Jacob was going to be getting some building blocks when he got older. But I had no idea just how fun the blocks would be for me too! I think I enjoy them just as much as he does (and maybe sometimes more).
He’s not quite to the point where he’s building huge towers and full cities. For now, he mostly enjoys stacking 3-5 blocks at a time and then taking the blocks out of the box and putting them back in. He also loves piling them around his feet and then kicking his feet vigorously and seeing them scatter. He thinks that is delightful. Oh! And he is also a HUGE fan of knocking over anything I build. Lol!
Incorporating Montessori Methods into Our Home
I’ve always known that I wanted to incorporate alternative learning styles into our home when we had a child. I love aspects of a variety of educational styles from Montessori to Waldorf to traditional homeschooling. There are things about all of them that I truly love and believe in.
While our home is far from being a traditional Montessori or Waldorf home, we do try to incorporate methods from those styles into our daily lives, whether it be during playtime or just general life. This is also probably why I love wooden toys so much. Wooden toys are a classic Montessori tool.
Building blocks are regularly used in Montessori education. Recently, the company Lovevery reached out to me and asked if I would like to test some of their products, one of which was their popular block set. Of course, I said yes because who am I to turn down free toys for the little one?! Especially wooden ones! Lol!
I immediately snagged their block set and am so impressed by it. I’ll talk more about the Lovevery block set later in the post. For now, I want to share 5 reasons why building blocks are great for toddler development.
But First! Become an Observer.
Observation
5 Reasons Why Building Blocks Are Good for Toddler Development
1. Building Blocks Help Cultivate Their Imagination and Creativity
2. Building Blocks Help Encourage Problems Solving
3. Building Blocks Teach Basic Mathematics
When it comes to math, building blocks are an excellent tool. Not only do they teach a child about size, shape, and patterns but they also encourage the child to use other mathematical skills to figure things out. They can use the blocks to learn about adding, subtracting, counting, and sorting. Blocks also teach about spatial dimensions like length, width, and depth.
4. Building Blocks Help Build Self-Esteem
Who knew that something as simple as playing with blocks could improve self-esteem? But it can! Toddlers can learn that they have ideas and can implement those ideas in practical and creative ways. They can bring to fruition an idea from start to finish while overcoming obstacles along the way. All of this builds confidence and research shows that building confidence at an early age will help children throughout their entire life.
5. Building Blocks Help Improve Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
Nothing has been more fascinating to me than watching my little one play with blocks. I pay attention to the way he holds the blocks and maneuvers his hands. It has given me such an incredible perspective on motor skill development and how much we take for granted as adults. Things that are so easy for us that we don’t even think about them are frustratingly hard for a toddler. They have to learn how to hold the block so they can place it on the stack. They have to learn how to gently place a block (rather than slam it down or throw it on) so it balances and doesn’t knock the tower over. They have to learn how to move the block in their hand so it fits through the shape sorter lid. And so on… So many things that we take for granted! It’s fascinating.
That’s 5 of my favorite reasons why building blocks are great for toddler development. What other things would you add to this list?
If you have any questions about the block set or using blocks in your own home, please leave me a comment below! If you’d like to check out the Lovevery block set for yourself, you can do that via this link.
Constructive Play |
A World Of Exploration Opportunities in Physics and Engineering
As your child engages in constructive play, they see the ideas they imagine come to life. Let’s explore what construction play is all about!
What is constructive play?
A constructive play definition- Also known as construction play, is about manipulating, shaping, or constructing something. In other words, constructive play is creating and building with different types of materials.
It involves various methods such as putting together, taking apart, stacking, molding, sorting, and more. However, most important is that children are connecting and interacting with their environment.
Constructive play typically starts around the age of two, when children can focus on one activity for extended periods. Previously children have been through an exploratory phase using their senses for investigation and discovery.
Usually, this involves simple and repetitive actions, like banging blocks or moving blocks from place to place. This exploratory phase helps prepare them to begin constructing. During construction play, their movements are more purposeful.
They have moved from exploring the materials to creating something. Nowhere is this transition more evident than during the stages of block play, from simply knowing how a block feels to building a basic tower.
Through constructive play, they get to see and feel things for themselves.
A key component of constructive play is that it is open-ended. That kids are using materials to creatively and intentionally build something.
The open-ended materials can take many forms, for example, playdough, sand, water, recycled materials, and all types of blocks for kids. Through construction play, children engage their imagination and creativity while sparking their curiosity.
Construction play is a form of hands-on inquiry where children, by nature, discover and explore things for themselves. They gather information, experiment, and ask questions while engaging in constructive play.
Kids build, stack, construct, and draw as they test various materials. For example, they can make a sandcastle, compose a sidewalk chalk mural, or build a city with blocks and loose parts.
Children learn through their interactions and experiences in the physical and social world.
Compose a sidewalk chalk mural
Benefits of constructive play
Constructive play offers an unlimited world of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Children experience using various materials and tools to put things together, test ideas, solve problems, and stretch their imaginations.
As we have discussed in other articles about block play, construction play shares many of the same benefits. The encouragement of constructive play is valuable because it reinforces open-ended, free play and allows children to be children. It will enable them to explore their own ideas and connect them to the world around them.
Here are some of the construction play benefits your child may experience:
Physical Development
Construction play requires the use of both fine and gross motor skills to build something. By strengthening these motor skills, fine motor and gross motor activities can better shape and control their environment, empowering them.
Cognitive Development
Construction play encourages cognitive development by allowing kids to regulate and control their thinking. It requires trial and error. As children think, plan, and assess their actions, they develop problem-solving skills.
The way a child approaches their building with persistence to overcome any problems. They experiment with different materials and find new ways to use them. They try new methods and modify them when needed if something doesn’t work. This is problem-solving at its best.
Language Development
Constructive play helps kids become better communicators. They expand their vocabulary by using building words like over, under, and on top.
Placing signs around the construction play zone increases the connection between the written and spoken word. The encouragement of an adult who engages with open-ended questions supports language development.
Hands-on Exploration And Curiosity
Kids absorb information better through hands-on exploration rather than formal instruction. They learn to connect to their world and explore how materials can represent different objects (i.e., a stack of blocks becomes a skyscraper). Through constructive play, they get to see and feel things for themselves.
Imagination And Creativity
Construction play ignites your child’s imagination and creativity. Children use their creativity for planning and designing their creations. At the same time, they use their imaginations to create imaginary worlds, which leads to pretend play.
Creative and constructive play works best when you…
Now that we know what constructive play is and why it is important let’s look at how we can support and encourage it. Most importantly, we must understand and believe in the value of this type of play and ALL kinds of play.
Play comes naturally, and we should advocate for children to be children as long as possible—enough time each day needs to be allotted for play, including construction play. Our children should be encouraged to enjoy, explore, and experience the thrill of constructive play.
Provide Adult Support
We can support constructive play by:
Providing spaces that are safe, accessible, and full of open-ended materials
Encouraging construction play activities, whether inside or outside
Having interaction with children and asking open-ended questions
Helping them document their discoveries and creations
NOT directing it, but merely providing support to the play
Getting down on their level models the importance of playtime for your child
Encouraging constructive play activities inside and out
Add Inspiring Materials
Constructive play is essential for young children. What’s important here is to supply a variety of materials that are open-ended with no specific outcome. Where the kids control and determine how they are used to create something.
Continually adding new and stimulating elements while removing others keeps it fresh and exciting. Keep developmental stages and choking hazards in mind when sourcing your materials.
All types of blocks in varying shapes, sizes, and materials
Block props(i.e., vehicles, animals, people, signs, cogs, and wheels)
Train or car tracks
Water and water toys
Sand and sand toys
Modeling materials (i.e., playdough or clay)
Loose materials (i.e., pieces of fabric, vinyl, ribbon, or balls of wool)
Natural materials (i.e., shells, leaves, bark, sticks, and stones)
Art materials (i.e., easels, brushes, paint, markers, crayons, chalk, paper)
Craft materials (i.e., buttons, googly eyes, popsicle sticks, string, sequins)
Recycled materials (i.e., boxes, milk crates, mosaic tile pieces, clean PVC pipe pieces)
Wood pieces (i.e., clean in a variety of shapes and sizes) and strong glue
Tools (i.e., measuring tape, clipboard, pencils, stapler, scissors, tape)
Wagons or buckets to move the materials around
Camera and sketching materials for documenting their creations
Play Indoors or Outdoors
Constructive play should not be limited to just indoor block play. Again, the premise of construction play is about your child’s interaction with their environment. Changing how the materials and your child interact encourages a variety of constructive play.
For example:
Taking the blocks outside
Bringing natural elements inside
Mixing sectors like:
Block play with science
Math with language activities
Recycled materials with art
Taking the easels and paints outside adds an additional dimension to the play. Additionally, encouraging children to use traditional materials in new and innovative ways creates more opportunities for construction play. For example, painting on a fence or drawing with chalk on the sidewalk.
Engineer rivers and dams in the mud or sand
Blend It with Imaginative Play
Children have a natural tendency to combine construction play with imaginative play. As they build and create, they begin to try on and test how they experience the world. For instance, they may stack a few blocks, add some animals, and call it a zoo.
From there, they pretended how they would spend their day at the zoo. Or they might make something entirely imaginary, like an amusement park on Mars. This is the time to entertain their fantasy and ask them about their amusement park and Mars.
What is important is that your child is using their imagination with no rules or expectations.
Create Time and Space
Constructive play requires time. Allowing enough time for your child to create without interruptions is essential.
Creating a block center and outdoor space for other materials is beneficial. Adding, combining, and changing elements creates an environment conducive to constructive play.
Induct Their Creations Into The “Hall of Fame”
While some of their constructions may be able to last for a while, most of them will be temporary in nature. However difficult this might be for some, it is an essential part of the learning experience. To help bridge the learning curve:
Take a picture
Make a video
Have your child draw or sketch their creations
Record what they say about their creations
Then they can enjoy the fun of knocking it all down just to build it again tomorrow.
Constructive play examples
We tend to go straight to block play and traditional building sets when we think of construction play. Yet, constructive play activities also include many other options.
Expand construction play by inviting your child to experience one or more of the activities below.
Assemble an outside fort with tires, hay bales, milk crates, and other large boxes
Build an inside hide-out from sheets, blankets, tables, and chairs. Construct a tunnel from recycled boxes and other materials
Create art from natural materials found on a nature walk.
Design and build a city with wooden building blocks, train and road tracks
Engineer rivers and dams in the mud or sand with plastic pipe pieces
Inspire children to draw building ideas with a clipboard, paper, and pencil
Make something using scraps of wood and strong glue to introduce woodworking
Organize and construct an obstacle course
Sculpt sandcastles
Set up construction challenges that encourage collaboration and problem-solving
Shape something from playdough and craft materials
Do you have a favorite memory of building or creating something?
I do; I loved visiting my aunt’s house, which had all the great wooden building toys. She had Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs, which we didn’t have at our home. See, she had two boys, and I was a girl.
To this day, one of my favorite kids’ activities is building with blocks. Whether it is giant blocks, magnetic blocks, or wooden unit blocks, I love seeing my ideas come to life.
Why not open the world of constructive play with some building sets of your own?
Some images were provided by Guidecraft, a design-based company creating educational children’s furniture and toys. For more information about their products, please visit their website. Use our code DISCOVERY10 to save on everything in the store!
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And there you have it, several (30+) pages of proof that, even at 65, I can hold my own during the questioning of the bold statements that I made (as early as 1983) are still valid in 2025. Process Art and sensory play are valid and foundational in building a sense of our world and the laws of nature and science.
Superscript
Exploring Science During
Nature Play
Nature Play
Nature play is foundational for science learning in babies and toddlers because it provides a rich, sensory, hands-on laboratory where they naturally experiment with cause-and-effect, physics, biology, and engineering through simple interactions, building core STEM concepts and critical thinking skills long before formal schooling. From splashing water (physics/states of matter) to observing bugs (biology/ecology) and building with sticks (engineering), babies develop curiosity and intuitions about how the world works, forming the basis for future scientific understanding.
Cognitive Development
Curiosity & Critical Thinking: Nature's unpredictability encourages questions, experimentation, and cause-and-effect learning (e.g., building a dam).
Memory & Concentration: Rich sensory environments improve memory retention and focus.
Physical Health & Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills: Climbing, balancing, and running build strength, coordination, and balance.
Overall Well-being: Outdoor activity reduces stress and supports healthy brain function.
Social & Emotional Growth
Resilience & Risk-Taking: Safe risks in nature build confidence and emotional resilience.
Collaboration: Working together to navigate challenges (like building a fort) fosters teamwork and social harmony.
Environmental Stewardship
Responsibility & Empathy: Direct connection fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility to protect nature.
Sustainability: Instills values for a sustainable future from a young age.
Sensory Richness: Engages all senses, providing deeper learning than indoor settings.
Authentic Play: Offers endless, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate learning through play.
How Nature Play Develops Scientific Thinking:
Sensory Exploration: Touching mud, water, leaves, and sand engages multiple senses, helping babies understand textures, temperatures, and properties of materials (like solid vs. liquid).
Cause & Effect: Splashing water, dropping pebbles, or rolling balls down slopes teaches physics concepts like gravity, force, and motion intuitively.
Observation & Inquiry: Watching plants grow, noticing weather changes, or tracking an ant sparks curiosity and encourages observational skills, the heart of scientific inquiry.
Problem-Solving & Engineering: Building with sticks, digging in dirt, or creating dams in streams involves testing ideas, adapting, and developing basic engineering and spatial reasoning.
Language & Vocabulary: Exploring nature helps children learn words for actions, objects, and concepts (like "heavy," "float," "smooth," "branch"), boosting STEM vocabulary.
Examples of Science in Nature Play:
Physics: Throwing a leaf and watching it float vs. a rock sinking.
Biology: Observing worms in soil or flowers blooming.
Earth Science: Feeling the texture of different rocks or the coolness of mud.
Engineering: Stacking stones to see if they stay up.
By providing unstructured time in natural settings, parents and caregivers offer babies a powerful, real-world laboratory that nurtures the curiosity and foundational skills needed for future STEM success.
The Benefits of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play isn’t just about having fun; it’s essential for healthy development. Fresh air, movement, and unstructured play support physical, mental, and social growth.
You don’t need to plan every moment or entertain them nonstop. Just get outside and let their imaginations run wild. Climbing, digging, building, and pretend play all come naturally when kids have the space to move and explore.
With so many ways to play, your kids will fall in love with nature in no time! Plus, daily outdoor play naturally reduces screen time. It’s a win-win.
Running, jumping, and hands-on activities keep kids engaged while strengthening motor skills, coordination, and balance.
Bring the fun outside with constructive play! Whether stacking wooden building blocks or creating obstacle courses, open-ended play is just as exciting outdoors.
Remember when your parents sent you outside to play? They were right! The benefits of outdoor play last a lifetime. So let’s keep the tradition going.
Children Who Spend Time Outdoors
In Nature Are More Likely To:
Engage in regular physical activity to help prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Having a stronger immune system makes them less likely to get sick.
Be calmer with less stress.
Enjoy greater concentration, an improved mood, and a better night’s sleep.
Have stronger bones due to increased Vitamin D intake.
Support gross motor development for better balance, coordination, and agility.
Develop a passion for nature and conservation.
Respect and get along better with others.
Have more self-respect.
After all your exploring, be sure to save those things your child found outside. The materials collected can be used in nature crafts, including this nature tray. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s embark on an outdoor adventure filled with discovery, laughter, and endless memories. Adventure awaits, my friend!
Grab this wooden block set or these wooden blocks for kids, and head outdoors with your kids today!
Nature play for babies focuses on sensory exploration and safe discovery, involving activities like feeling soft grass/moss, watching clouds, listening to birds, splashing in shallow water/puddles with leaves, touching flowers/feathers (supervised!), making simple mud kitchens, creating nature collages with contact paper, and gentle nature walks to observe colors, sounds, and smells, all while ensuring supervision and avoiding choking hazards.
Barefoot & Blanket Time: Lay a blanket on soft grass or moss for the baby to feel, or stand them barefoot to experience different textures.
Cloud Gazing: Lie together on a blanket and point out cloud shapes and the sky's colors.
Sound Safari: Listen for birds, rustling leaves, or buzzing insects during walks.
Touch & Smell: Gently touch flowers, petals, feathers, or soft leaves; let them smell safe scents like lavender.
Water Play: Float leaves, petals, or gumnuts in a shallow puddle or tray of water.
Nature Walks (Carrier/Stroller): Point out colors, textures (fuzzy moss), and sounds while carrying a baby.
Nature Collage: Place leaves/petals between clear contact paper and seal for a sensory art piece.
Mud Kitchen: A bucket, water, sticks, and some dirt for digging and mixing.
Bubble Fun: Blow bubbles outdoors for them to watch and reach for.
Supervise Closely: Never leave babies unattended outdoors.
Larger Items: Use big leaves, flowers, or pebbles to avoid choking hazards.
No Tasting: Prevent tasting of unknown plants or soil (unless specifically prepared).
Chemical-Free Zones: Stick to areas free from pesticides or harsh chemicals.
Engaging Toddlers in Nature Play - NAEYC
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Babies in Nature
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Nature in the first six months
Waterplay, Hiking & Camping -ADVENTURES With Babies
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Easy Nature Play Activities
Simple Outdoor Adventures
Infants Enjoying Nature
Outdoor Discovery
& Nature Exploration
Outdoor Discovery
Kids are natural explorers, and the outdoors is full of things to see, hear, and touch. These simple activities encourage curiosity, spark imagination, and help kids foster a love of nature.
Playing in nature improves coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.
As children interact with different outdoor natural resources like fallen logs, rocks, and mud, it gives them opportunities to strengthen their coordination, balance, and gross motor skills. This is different from unnatural materials because they are more predictable.
Ideas for nature play in the early years
I have found that having a safe outdoor space for the little ones to go out without me right there with them, but within my sight/ hearing range, is essential. It doesn’t have to be fancy or large, but somewhere safe that they can get that unstructured play in while I finish the dishes or read aloud to my older children has been perfect.
Most can happen in your own backyard, and some you may need to find a different location to explore.
Make mud pies: Give them some empty pie pans and encourage them to find small stones, sticks, and other natural elements to decorate their pies. Find pictures in the clouds: Lay back on the grass and try to spot figures in the clouds. Pick flowers and weeds: Give your child a little cup or vase and ask them to make you a bouquet of anything they find delightful to display on your table or windowsill. Go on a (no touch) bug hunt: Go on a hunt to find all sorts of crawly creatures under logs or on tree trunks. We love using this little bug catcher to observe our findings for a few hours. Balance on fallen logs: This is such a great activity for balance and coordination. It’s even more fun to throw a log over a small stream or creek and walk across. Make a stick fort: Lean long sticks up against a tree or in a tee-tee shape and you have a fort to play in for hours! We have been known to make and keep these up for weeks in our own forest beyond our home and in forests all around our area. It’s especially fun to go back to a favorite location and visit your fort later. Go on an easy nature scavenger hunt: Make a list of familiar items that would be easily found and have your children go on a hunt!
Play in a mud kitchen: Our #1 favorite backyard structure is our mud kitchen. Add some old pots, pans, and utensils. My kids especially love having a muffin pan to make all sorts of treats. Touch trees: Touching trees gently is a great way to help babies feel safe in the forest and helps them see that not all trees are the same. A lot of animals live in or depend on trees for food and for shelter or safety from larger preying animals. So they are full of wildlife with lots of colors. “Wash” things with water : A simple bucket of water and a sponge goes a long way! My kids also love spraying trees or the mud kitchen with water-filled spray bottles and scrubbing them down. They also enjoy washing rocks, acorns, and other natural elements with an old toothbrush. Balance rocks: Make a tower by balancing rocks. This is easiest with smooth stones and stacking largest to smallest. Listen and watch for birds: We love looking up into the trees and looking for and identifying various birds in our backyard. Looking for nests is also a fun activity. Use a field guide to help you identify what the common birds are in your area.
Build sand or dirt castles : We have a sandbox that gets hours of play each day, but even if you only have dirt- your children can build castles and decorate them with rocks, shells, or whatever they can find. Make leaf rubbings or imprints: Find some flat leaves and do a rubbing by laying the leaves on a flat surface, covering with white paper, and coloring on top of them lightly with crayon. Dig for worms: Kids love hunting for worms and watching them wiggle. Make a wormery to observe them for a longer period of time. Gather leaves and jump into them: Whether your children have a little rake or not, they can gather leaves and have all sorts of fun jumping, rolling and throwing them all about. Grow and care for garden plants: Plant some simple herbs or go as involved as a huge garden and involve your child in the watering, weeding, and harvesting.
Go on a nature walk: Go with a completely open plan or something specific to hunt for. Some of our favorites are an animal track hunt, birds, or collecting a specific element of nature like pine cones or seeds. Collect and sort natural elements: This is an excellent learning opportunity for young ones. Collect a variety of natural elements and then sort them by size, color, or shape. Make leaf glitter : Collect fallen leaves and use scissors to cut or fingers to rip them up into little pieces to create leaf glitter or confetti. Use it to throw in the air for fun or for a craft project. “Paint” with mud: Give your children an old paintbrush and a bucket of mud to paint trees, logs, or anything else they can find. Go on a senses hunt: On a nature walk or in the backyard, tune your children’s senses in to discover the natural world around them. We like to draw what we see, hear, smell, feel, and if we’re lucky enough to find something edible- taste! Build a nest: Use grass, mud, and leaves to make a bird’s nest. Leave it in a tree and watch it over time to see if any feathered friends enjoy it. Hide and find treasures in fields or woods: Give your child little gems or encourage them to hunt for acorns or something else to hide for you or another child to find!
Outside Activities For Fun On The Go Exploration
Let’s get started, there’s always
something waiting to be discovered!
For some fun outside activities, just head to the backyard or park!
Dandelion Wishes
Find dandelions that have gone to seed. Show your child how to blow the seeds into the air while making a wish. Watch together as the seeds float away and talk about where they might land.
Listening to Nature Sounds
Sit quietly outside with your child and listen to the sounds around you. Do they hear birds chirping, leaves rustling, or maybe even a distant dog barking? Try closing your eyes to focus even more on the different sounds.
Nature Walks
Go on a walk with your child and look for things in nature to collect. Consider taking a nature book (from home or the library) to help identify items found along the way. If you have a set of compact wooden nesting blocks with magnification, bring them along.
Pro tip: Save all their treasures to create a nature tray or the outdoor arts & crafts project below.
Outdoor Activity Cards
Read a book in a hammock. Play a board game under a tree. Catch raindrops on your tongue. Jump in the puddles. Make a maze with sticks or rocks. Play hopscotch. Fly a kite. Blow bubbles.
Sensory Walk
Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on different surfaces, such as grass, dirt, sand, or smooth stones. Encourage your child to describe how each one feels. Are they soft, rough, cool, or warm? This helps build body awareness and strengthens the child’s sense of touch.
Stargazing Adventure
Head outside on a clear night to gaze at the stars and create memories. See if your child can spot bright stars or patterns in the sky. Use a star chart or an app to find constellations together.
Scooping, mixing, and splashing are what make water play so much fun. These activities allow little ones to explore different textures, develop fine motor skills, and enjoy hands-on, messy learning.
Playing outside might mean the kids get dirty, but a little dirt never hurts, so encourage them to dig a hole, make mud pies, or find worms and bugs.
Jump in Puddles
Scoop and Pour Water Play
So easy! All you need is a bucket of water and a paintbrush. Then, let them “paint” the fence, driveway, or sidewalk. They’ll love watching their marks disappear as the water dries, and it’s a mess-free way to practice brush strokes and creativity.
Movement & Gross Motor Activities
Running, jumping, and balancing help children build strength and coordination. These activities encourage movement and allow children to practice big-body skills outside.
For more outdoor activity ideas, try these gross motor activities. Remember, outdoor play is beneficial to adults, too! So join the fun.
Balance Beam (or Log) Walk
Blow Bubbles for or with your older baby
Fly a kite for them to watch or make a hand kite with ribbons
Pick a breezy day and take a kite to an open space. Let your child run while holding the kite string, and watch it lift into the sky. This is a fun way to explore the wind.
Hula Hoop Fun
Pinecone Toss
Roll Down a Hill
Stack or play with sticks and stones like they were building blocks
oUR NATURE STEAM &
Wild Science
Nature Play for Babies 0-2 PDF
Nature and Discovery Activities pdf
Resources For Baby Nature Play pdf
Exploring Nature with Babies PDF
Outdoor Or Wild Science Play Ideas
Part of the fun is using cool tools for exploring. Things like:
Bug catchers
Butterfly nets
Magnifying glass
Kids-size binoculars
Flashlight
A backpack or a vest to carry everything
Child-safe digital camera for recording their findings (if age-appropriate)
Magnification blocks: Are perfect for examining natural, tactile, and other detailed materials found in nature. Encourage exploration of the small wonders of nature. With their unbreakable acrylic inset windows, your child can investigate their surroundings.
Wooden Square Blocks – Magnification Blocks
Unlike traditional magnifying glasses, this wooden block set is safe and sturdy for all your preschoolers’ fun outdoor activities.
These wooden blocks for kids will help you introduce your preschooler to science, inspire them to examine nature up close, and allow them to display their special nature trinkets.
It Is Time To Get Outside And Play. Let’s Go!
Why Nature-Based Learning Activities Are Essential for Early ...
Dec 2, 2024 — Nature-based learning activities focus on creating immersive, meaningful experiences where children engage directly wit...
The Science Behind Outdoor Play and Child Development
Mar 20, 2025 — Being in nature exposes children to new sights, sounds, and textures, sparking their curiosity. Whether it's examining...
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Studies show that this kind of education benefits children's development and the environment, with increases shown in prosocial development, physical activity, ...Read more
Nature-Based Learning: Why It's Essential in Early Childhood
Jul 3, 2024 — Nature-based learning in early childhood integrates natural elements into lessons to foster a connection to nature, enhance environmental awareness, Read more
Naturalized outdoor learning environments (OLEs) stimulate the diversity of children's play experiences and contribute to healthy childhood development. Read more
Jun 21, 2023 — Research has shown that nature-based learning has positive physical, cognitive and emotional impacts on children and aids in their development ...Read more
Dec 4, 2024 — “Outdoor and nature-based preschool activities contribute to children's health development directly, support more complex play,” said Barnett, ...Read more
Dec 3, 2024 — These activities help children learn cause and effect, spatial awareness, and observational skills in a way that's both engaging and fun. 4. Read more
Oct 2, 2024 — The concrete benefits that teachers often see are increased abilities to attend to tasks, development of motor skills, and more varied social ...Read more
PARENT SECTION
INFORMATION, FAQ'S,
OUR EXTENDED READING
Parent Reading and Self Training
Have you ever watched a baby intently staring at a mobile, trying to swat at a toy, or dropping a spoon from their high chair just to see what happens? These aren't random acts; they are intentional experiments. From the moment they arrive, infants are little scientists, driven by an insatiable curiosity about how their world works. They are constantly gathering data, testing hypotheses, and refining their understanding through sensory input and motor actions. This inherent drive to explore is the perfect foundation for early STEM learning.
The purpose of this post is to demystify STEM for infants and empower parents and caregivers with actionable, age-appropriate strategies to nurture their baby's natural curiosity. We'll outline simple, everyday activities that require little more than common household items and your engaged presence. We’ll also highlight the profound developmental benefits of these interactions, from fostering cognitive growth and fine motor skills to building emotional bonds. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in turning everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities, setting a strong foundation for a lifelong love of discovery in your little one.
Our core message is simple: you don't need fancy gadgets or expensive toys to introduce STEM concepts. The most impactful "lessons" happen through playful, hands-on interactions that encourage observation, exploration, and problem-solving. At I'm the Chef Too!, we believe in learning through doing, and for infants, "doing" means engaging all their senses and interacting with their environment in safe, stimulating ways.
WHAT IS STEM (AND STEAM) FOR INFANTS?
Before we dive into specific activities, let's clarify what STEM, and its broader cousin STEAM, looks like for our littlest learners. The common misconception is that STEM is only for school-aged children, involving complex equations or advanced technology. For infants, however, it's about laying foundational understanding through simple, observable interactions.
STEM breakdown for infants:
Science (S): This is about observation, exploration, and understanding the natural world and how things work. For infants, this translates to exploring textures, temperatures, sounds, light, and gravity. When a baby shakes a rattle and hears a sound, they are learning about cause and effect. When they reach for a crinkly blanket, they are exploring properties of materials.
Technology (T): Forget computers and smartphones for a moment. For infants, technology refers to tools that help us achieve a task. A spoon used for feeding, a block used for building, or even a simple blanket used for peek-a-boo are early forms of "technology." It’s about understanding how objects can be manipulated to get a desired outcome.
Engineering (E): Engineering is all about design, building, and problem-solving. For an infant, this might be as simple as stacking soft blocks and observing what happens when they tumble, or trying to fit a shape into a sorter. It’s about figuring out how things fit together or how to overcome a small physical challenge.
Mathematics (M): Early math concepts for infants involve understanding quantities, shapes, patterns, and sizes. When a baby differentiates between a small and large ball, or recognizes a repetitive pattern in a song, they are engaging in mathematical thinking. Sorting toys by color or shape also falls into this category.
The "A" for Art in STEAM:
We strongly advocate for STEAM, integrating "Art" into the core subjects. Why is Art so crucial, especially for infants? Art fosters creativity, imagination, and allows for self-expression. It encourages divergent thinking – finding multiple solutions to a problem – which is vital for innovation in any STEM field. For infants, art can be sensory play with edible finger paints, exploring colors, or simply creating marks with safe, chunky crayons. It’s about the process of creation and discovery, not the end product. The holistic approach of STEAM ensures a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures both logical and creative thinking, preparing children for a rapidly changing world. Our cooking kits, for example, beautifully combine the science of baking, the engineering of construction, the math of measuring, and the artistic expression of decorating, just like our Erupting Volcano Cakes or our Galaxy Donut Kit. These are perfect examples of how we blend subjects for delicious results.
Infants as Natural Explorers:
Infants are not passive learners; they are incredibly active and engaged in their own discovery. They learn through direct experience, using their five senses to gather information. Every grasp, gaze, taste, touch, and sound contributes to their growing understanding. By tapping into this innate curiosity, we can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary learning adventures. It’s not about formal lessons or worksheets; it’s about providing rich, stimulating environments and responsive interactions that encourage exploration.
THE POWER OF EARLY STEM/STEAM EXPLORATION
You might wonder if introducing STEM concepts so early truly makes a difference. The answer is a resounding yes! The infant brain is a marvel of rapid development, forming millions of neural connections every second. Providing rich, stimulating experiences during this critical period lays a robust foundation for all future learning.
Brain Development: Engaging in STEM/STEAM activities helps build crucial neural pathways. When an infant explores cause and effect, solves a simple puzzle (like stacking a block), or categorizes objects by color, their brain is actively making connections, enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
Skill Building:
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like grasping, transferring objects, stacking, and manipulating small items (safely, of course!) strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, essential for later writing, drawing, and precise movements.
Cognitive Abilities: Concepts like object permanence, cause and effect, spatial reasoning, and early numeracy are all developed through playful STEM interactions. Babies learn to anticipate outcomes, understand relationships between objects, and begin to categorize their world.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Even simple acts, like trying to reach a toy just out of grasp or figuring out how to make a sound with a new object, involve problem-solving. They are learning to analyze situations and experiment with solutions.
Sensory Processing: Early STEM often heavily involves sensory input. Exploring different textures, temperatures, sounds, and sights helps infants develop their sensory processing skills, which are fundamental to understanding and interacting with their environment.
Foundation for Future Learning: While your infant won't be solving complex equations, these early experiences create a comfort and familiarity with fundamental scientific principles, mathematical concepts, and engineering design processes. They foster a love for discovery that makes later, more formal learning feel like a natural progression rather than an intimidating challenge. This is precisely why we've made learning enjoyable and accessible through our hands-on kits.
Family Bonding: Engaging in playful STEM activities together is a fantastic way to strengthen the parent-child bond. These shared moments of discovery, laughter, and exploration create lasting memories and build a secure attachment. At I'm the Chef Too!, we deeply value the role of family bonding in education, believing that learning is most impactful when shared and enjoyed together.
Screen-Free Educational Alternative: In an increasingly digital world, providing engaging, hands-on, and screen-free activities is more important than ever. STEM/STEAM activities for infants naturally steer away from screens, encouraging real-world interaction, tactile exploration, and direct engagement with caregivers. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing enriching screen-free experiences. Ready to embark on a journey of discovery that's both fun and educational?
SAFETY FIRST:
ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
FOR INFANT STEM ACTIVITIES
While the natural world offers an endless playground for an infant's curious mind, safety must always be your top priority. Babies explore with their mouths, hands, and bodies, so every activity needs careful consideration.
Constant Supervision: This is non-negotiable. Never leave an infant unattended during any activity, especially those involving small objects, water, or anything that could pose a choking hazard.
Choking Hazards: Infants instinctively put objects in their mouths. Any item small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll is generally considered a choking hazard for children under three. Avoid small beads, buttons, tiny toys, uninflated balloons, coins, or anything that can break into small pieces. When in doubt, err on the side of caution with larger items.
Non-Toxic Materials: Ensure all materials used are non-toxic and food-safe if there’s any chance they might go into the mouth. This includes paints, playdough, and sensory bin fillers.
Age-Appropriateness: Activities should be challenging enough to be engaging but not so difficult that they cause frustration. Observe your baby's developmental stage and adjust activities accordingly. What might be perfect for a 9-month-old might be too advanced or too simple for a 3-month-old.
Cleanliness: Ensure all materials and surfaces are clean before and after play, especially for activities that involve food or anything that might go into the mouth.
Creating a Safe Environment:
Floor Play: Most infant STEM activities happen on the floor. Ensure the area is clean, clear of hazards, and comfortable (e.g., a soft play mat).
Secure Objects: If you're attaching objects to a high chair tray or playpen, make sure they are securely fastened and cannot be pulled down on the baby.
Temperature Control: For water play or sensory activities involving temperature, ensure the water is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold.
Allergies: If using food-based items, be mindful of any potential allergies your child or others in the household may have.
By keeping these safety guidelines in mind, you can create a joyful and secure environment for your infant's boundless exploration.
HANDS-ON STEM/STEAM ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS
Now, let's get to the fun part! Here are numerous age-appropriate, hands-on STEM and STEAM activities you can enjoy with your infant, broken down by subject. Remember, these categories often overlap, reinforcing the integrated nature of STEAM learning.
SCIENCE (S): EXPLORING THE WORLD THROUGH
THEIR SENSES
Science for infants is all about observing, exploring, and understanding the physical and natural world.
Sensory Exploration Stations:
Texture Board/Bag: Attach various fabrics (silk, fleece, corduroy, sandpaper, burlap – securely attached and supervised!), sponges, or crinkly paper to a board or inside a clear, sealed bag. Let your infant touch, feel, and explore the different textures. Science: Properties of materials, tactile discrimination.
Warm & Cool Water Play (Supervised!): In a shallow tray or baby-safe container, offer small amounts of lukewarm water and slightly cooler water (ensure it's not cold). Let your infant splash, feel the difference, and even try to grasp the water. Use different safe, clean containers for pouring (with supervision for older infants). Science: Temperature, states of matter (liquid), cause and effect (splashing).
Sound Exploration: Provide various baby-safe objects that make different sounds: rattles, crinkly toys, soft bells (enclosed), shakers filled with rice or beans (sealed tightly). Let them shake, drop, and discover the sounds. Science: Acoustics, cause and effect.
Light & Shadow Play: Use a flashlight to create shadows on a wall or ceiling. Move the light to make the shadows dance. For older infants, show them how their own hand or a toy can make a shadow. Science: Light, shadows, cause and effect.
Nature's Textures: Safely collect a few natural items (large, clean, non-toxic leaves, smooth rocks, pinecones – wash thoroughly). Let your infant explore their textures under strict supervision, explaining what they are. Science: Natural world, properties of materials.
Object Permanence Games:
Peek-a-Boo: A classic for a reason! Hide your face behind your hands, a blanket, or a cloth, then reveal yourself. Or hide a favorite toy under a blanket and let your baby "find" it. Science: Object permanence (understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight).
In-and-Out Game: Use a container (e.g., a large, clean plastic bowl or a fabric basket) and several baby-safe objects (large blocks, soft balls, scarves). Model putting objects in and taking them out. Encourage your infant to do the same. Science: Spatial relations, cause and effect, early logic.
Cause and Effect:
Rattle Shaking: Simply providing a rattle and letting your infant discover that shaking it produces a sound is a fundamental lesson in cause and effect. Science: Cause and effect, sound production.
Button Pushing Toys: Offer age-appropriate toys that produce a sound or light when a button is pushed. Science: Cause and effect, basic mechanics.
Dropping Games: Provide safe, non-breakable objects (soft balls, silicone teethers) and let your infant experiment with dropping them from their high chair or lap. Observe where they fall and what sound they make. Science: Gravity, cause and effect.
TECHNOLOGY (T):
TOOLS AND SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
TOOLS AND SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
For infants, "technology" is about understanding how simple tools can be used to achieve a goal.
Spoon/Utensil Exploration:
Provide a baby-safe spoon during mealtimes (even before they self-feed). Let them hold it, bang it on the tray, and eventually try to scoop. Technology: Understanding tools for eating.
Container Play:
Offer various safe containers (plastic bowls, empty yogurt cups, small cardboard boxes) and objects that fit inside them. Infants love nesting, stacking, and putting items in and out. Technology: Understanding containers as tools for holding/organizing, spatial reasoning.
Simple Push/Pull Toys:
Toys with wheels that can be pushed or pulled, or toys with levers or buttons that cause something to happen, introduce basic mechanical principles. Technology: Simple machines, cause and effect, understanding how objects move.
ENGINEERING (E): BUILDING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Engineering for infants involves basic construction, understanding stability, and overcoming small challenges.
Stacking Activities:
Soft Blocks/Cups: Provide large, soft blocks, stacking cups, or nesting dolls. Model stacking them up and knocking them down. Encourage your infant to try. Engineering: Balance, stability, gravity, early construction.
Cereal Stacking: For older infants who are starting solids, try stacking O-shaped cereal pieces on a blunt stick or their finger (supervised!). Engineering: Fine motor control, precision, balance.
Ramp Play:
Create a simple ramp using a piece of cardboard, a sturdy book, or a wooden board leaned against furniture (ensure it’s stable and supervised!). Roll soft balls, toy cars, or other safe, rolling objects down the ramp. Observe what happens. Engineering: Gravity, force, motion.
Simple Puzzles/Shape Sorters (for older infants):
Large, chunky shape sorters or peg puzzles where pieces fit into designated spots introduce concepts of fit and form. Engineering: Spatial reasoning, problem-solving, trial and error.
ART (A): CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION
(STEAM INTEGRATION)
The "A" in STEAM emphasizes creativity and imaginative thinking, often intertwined with sensory exploration.
Edible Finger Painting:
Mix plain yogurt with a tiny bit of fruit puree or food coloring for vibrant, baby-safe "paint." Spread it on a high chair tray or a large piece of parchment paper. Let your infant smear, explore, and create! Art: Color mixing, sensory exploration, fine motor development. Science: Properties of liquids.
Alternatively, use pureed vegetables or fruit for natural colors.
Mess-Free Bag Painting:
Put a few drops of baby-safe paint (or edible paint) onto a piece of paper, then seal it inside a heavy-duty ziplock bag. Tape the bag to a high chair tray or the floor. Your infant can squish and spread the paint without the mess! Art: Color exploration, cause and effect. Science: Pressure, properties of liquids.
Mark Making with Chunky Crayons/Chalk:
Once your infant has good grasp control (around 9-12 months), offer large, non-toxic crayons or chalk on a large piece of paper. Don't expect masterpieces; the goal is the sensory experience of making marks and understanding that their actions create a visual result. Art: Fine motor skills, cause and effect, self-expression.
Sensory Bin Art:
Fill a shallow bin with a single, safe sensory material like cooked pasta (cooled, various shapes, maybe dyed with food coloring), large pieces of fabric, or even large, soft pompoms. Let them explore the textures and colors. Art: Sensory exploration, color recognition. Science: Properties of materials.
MATHEMATICS (M): PATTERNS,
SORTING, AND QUANTITY
Early math for infants is about recognizing differences, making comparisons, and understanding basic concepts of number and space.
Sorting & Grouping:
Color Sorting (informal): Offer two different colored, large, baby-safe objects (e.g., a red ball and a blue block). Talk about the colors as your infant plays with them. For older infants, you might have two baskets and encourage them to put the "red things in this basket, blue things in that." Math: Color recognition, early categorization.
Shape Recognition (large, simple shapes): Point out shapes in their environment or on their toys (e.g., "Look, a round ball!" or "That block is square."). Use chunky shape sorters for hands-on exploration. Math: Shape recognition, spatial reasoning.
Counting & Quantity:
Counting Fingers & Toes: As you play, simply count your baby's fingers and toes. "One, two, three little toes!" This introduces the concept of number and one-to-one correspondence. Math: Early counting, one-to-one correspondence.
"More" & "Less": During play, use simple quantity words. "Do you want more blocks?" or "There are less blocks now." Math: Basic quantity concepts.
Patterns & Sequences:
Patterned Blankets/Books: Point out simple patterns on blankets, clothing, or in board books. "Look, stripe, dot, stripe, dot!" Math: Pattern recognition.
Rhythmic Songs & Movements: Songs with repetitive actions or simple rhythms help infants recognize and anticipate patterns. Math: Auditory patterns, sequencing.
Size Differentiation:
Provide nesting cups or different-sized soft balls. Talk about "big" and "small" as your infant plays with them. Math: Size comparison, spatial reasoning.
INTEGRATING THE PHILOSOPHY
Cooking and STEM kits (Available at I am a chef too) are tailored for children aged 3 and up, the underlying philosophy that drives our products is perfectly applicable to infant learning:
Hands-on, Tangible Experiences: We believe that the most profound learning happens when children engage directly with materials. For infants, this means tactile exploration, grasping, mouthing, and manipulating real objects, rather than passive observation.
Sparking Curiosity and Creativity: Our core mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery. For infants, this is achieved by responding to their cues, providing stimulating environments, and allowing them the freedom to explore safely and creatively. Every new texture, sound, or successful grab is a spark of curiosity.
Facilitating Family Bonding: We know that shared experiences strengthen family ties. Our kits are designed to be enjoyed together, fostering communication and collaboration. Similarly, engaging in infant STEM activities together creates precious moments of connection and shared joy.
Screen-Free Educational Alternative: In an era dominated by screens, we champion the value of real-world, sensory-rich experiences. Our approach, whether through a delicious Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Cookie Pies kit for older kids or simple sensory play for infants, prioritizes tangible interactions over digital ones.
Developed by Mothers and Educators: As a company founded by mothers and educators, we understand the developmental needs of children at every stage. Our insights into child development inform how we approach learning, ensuring that activities are not only fun but also truly beneficial and developmentally appropriate. We encourage exploration at every age, recognizing that early experiences build the foundation for future complex learning.
BEYOND THE BASICS: ENHANCING INFANT STEM/STEAM
Beyond specific activities, there are overarching principles that can enhance your infant's STEM/STEAM learning journey.
Observe and Respond: Pay close attention to what captures your baby's interest. Do they gravitate towards certain textures? Are they fascinated by reflections? Are they trying to manipulate objects in a particular way? Follow their lead and expand on their innate curiosity. If they are trying to bang two blocks together, introduce other materials to bang, or show them how to stack. Your responsiveness validates their exploration and encourages further discovery.
Talk, Talk, Talk: Narrate everything! Describe what your baby is doing, seeing, feeling, and hearing. "You're touching the soft blanket!" "The ball is rolling fast!" "Listen to that crinkly sound!" Use descriptive words related to colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and actions. This builds vocabulary and helps them connect words to concepts.
Open-Ended Play: Provide materials that can be used in multiple ways rather than single-function toys. Blocks, scarves, empty containers, and sensory items encourage imagination and diverse exploration. There's no "right" way to play, only discovery.
Create a Rich Environment: Ensure your home offers a variety of safe, stimulating materials for your infant to explore. Rotate toys to keep things fresh and interesting. A designated "exploration corner" with different textures, mirrors (unbreakable), and safe objects can be a wonderful resource.
Read STEM-Themed Books: While direct comprehension of complex topics isn't the goal, board books with bright illustrations and simple text about animals, nature, shapes, or daily routines can introduce foundational concepts and build early literacy skills.
"Baby Loves Science" series (e.g., "Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering!", "Baby Loves Quantum Physics!") by Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan: Introduces complex topics in a simplified, colorful way.
"Hello, World!" series (e.g., "Hello, World! Solar System") by Jill McDonald: Visually appealing and introduces natural world concepts.
Books with different textures to touch and feel (e.g., "Pat the Bunny") combine literacy with sensory science.
Conclusion, FAQ's And Incredible Baby Resources
WHEN YOUR INFANT GROWS: CONTINUING THE
STEM/STEAM JOURNEY
The infant stage is just the beginning of a lifelong learning adventure. As your baby transitions into toddlerhood and beyond, their capacity for more complex STEM/STEAM activities will grow exponentially. The foundations built in infancy—curiosity, observation, cause-and-effect understanding, basic problem-solving, and sensory integration—will serve as powerful springboards for future learning.
We're here to support that natural progression. Our unique cooking and STEM kits are specifically designed to pick up where these early explorations leave off, offering more structured yet incredibly fun hands-on experiences. Imagine your growing child, fueled by that early spark of curiosity, delving into:
Chemical Reactions: Observing how ingredients transform when mixed or heated, like the satisfying fizz and bubble of our Erupting Volcano Cakes (which brilliantly teaches about acids and bases!).
Astronomy & Physics: Exploring the vastness of space by creating an edible solar system with our Galaxy Donut Kit, learning about planetary orbits and edible constellations.
Biology & Botany: Understanding plant growth, life cycles, and natural ingredients through edible gardens or themed baking adventures.
Engineering & Design: Building towering cookies or constructing edible structures, applying principles of balance, stability, and spatial reasoning.
Mathematics & Measurement: Accurately measuring ingredients, understanding fractions in recipes, and recognizing shapes, as seen in activities like making Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Cookie Pies (where you might count ingredients or cut out different shapes).
These kits provide a seamless transition from simple infant exploration to engaging, multi-faceted projects that continue to blend science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a delicious, hands-on way. They keep the learning joyful, tangible, and screen-free, just as it started in infancy.
And if you're part of a school, camp, or homeschool group looking to bring our unique "edutainment" experiences to more children, we also offer versatile School & Group Programs, available with or without food components to suit various needs.
CONCLUSION
The journey of discovery begins long before a child steps into a classroom. It starts in the quiet moments of observation, the joyful sounds of exploration, and the tactile experiences of early infancy. Introducing STEM activities for infants isn't about creating future scientists or engineers; it's about nurturing the innate curiosity and problem-solving skills that every child possesses. It’s about building confidence, fostering a love for learning, and creating precious family memories through shared, hands-on experiences.
From simple peek-a-boo games that teach object permanence to textured blankets that introduce properties of materials, every interaction is an opportunity for profound developmental growth. By focusing on safe, age-appropriate, and engaging activities that utilize everyday items, you can effortlessly weave the magic of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics into your baby's daily life.
As I'm the Chef Too!, we are passionate about making learning an adventure. We believe in the power of hands-on exploration and the joy of discovery through our unique blend of cooking, STEM, and the arts. These foundational infant experiences pave the way for the exciting adventures that await as your child grows.
Ready to continue this incredible journey of "edutainment" with your child? Skip the guesswork and receive expertly designed, engaging STEM cooking adventures delivered right to your door. Join The Chef's Club today! With our monthly subscription, you'll find convenience, value, and endless opportunities for screen-free, family fun. Each box is a complete experience, sparking curiosity and creativity with pre-measured dry ingredients and specialty supplies. For those not ready for a subscription, you can always Browse our complete collection of one-time kits and find the perfect theme for your little learner!
FAQ: STEM ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS
Q1: WHAT DOES "STEM" MEAN FOR INFANTS?
A1: For infants, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is about nurturing their natural curiosity through everyday exploration. It's not about formal lessons, but about hands-on, sensory experiences that introduce foundational concepts. Science involves observing how things work (like cause and effect, sensory exploration), Technology means using simple tools (like spoons or blocks), Engineering is about building and problem-solving (like stacking), and Math involves recognizing patterns, shapes, and quantities (like counting fingers). We also emphasize STEAM (adding Art) to foster creativity and imagination.
Q2: ARE STEM ACTIVITIES SAFE FOR BABIES?
A2: Yes, absolutely, with crucial safety precautions. Always ensure constant adult supervision. Avoid any small objects that could be choking hazards (anything smaller than a toilet paper roll is generally a risk for children under three). Use only non-toxic materials, especially if there's any chance they might go into your baby's mouth. Ensure all surfaces and materials are clean. Activities should always be age-appropriate and modified as your baby develops.
Q3: WHAT AGE CAN I START STEM ACTIVITIES WITH MY BABY?
A3: You can start from birth! Infants are born curious and are constantly learning. Even simple interactions like playing peek-a-boo, offering different textures to touch, or talking about sounds and colors are foundational STEM activities. The key is to provide stimulating, safe environments and responsive interactions that encourage their natural desire to explore.
Q4: DO I NEED SPECIAL TOYS OR EQUIPMENT FOR INFANT STEM ACTIVITIES?
A4: Not at all! Most effective infant STEM activities can be done with common household items. Think about:
Science: Water, blankets of different textures, safe rattles, natural objects (large leaves, smooth rocks – supervised!).
Technology: Spoons, plastic bowls, empty clean containers.
Engineering: Soft blocks, stacking cups, cardboard for ramps.
Art: Yogurt, fruit purees for edible paint, large chunky crayons.
Math: Counting fingers and toes, pointing out shapes on everyday objects. The most important "equipment" is your engaged presence and willingness to play and explore alongside your child.
Q5: HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY IS BENEFITING FROM THESE ACTIVITIES?
A5: You'll see their engagement! Look for signs of:
Curiosity: Wide eyes, reaching out, sustained attention to an object or activity.
Exploration: Mouthing, grasping, shaking, poking, experimenting.
Response: Giggles, babbling, smiling, trying to repeat an action.
Problem-solving: Repeated attempts to grasp a toy, figuring out how to make a sound. These are all indicators that their brains are actively working and making connections. The benefits are less about measurable outcomes and more about fostering a love for learning, building confidence, and developing foundational cognitive and motor skills.
Q6: HOW IS STEAM DIFFERENT FROM STEM FOR INFANTS?
A6: STEAM adds "Art" to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For infants, integrating Art means encouraging creativity, imagination, and sensory expression through activities like edible finger painting or exploring colors and textures. Art fosters divergent thinking and allows for non-linear exploration, which complements the logical thinking emphasized in STEM. At I'm the Chef Too!, we believe the "A" is crucial for a well-rounded and innovative mind, beautifully exemplified in how we combine the creativity of cooking with scientific principles.
Q7: WHAT ARE SOME SIMPLE, EVERYDAY STEM ACTIVITIES I CAN DO WITH MY NEWBORN (0-3 MONTHS)?
A7: For newborns, focus on sensory input and gentle interactions:
Science: Gentle tummy time to observe their surroundings, tracking colorful mobiles, listening to different sounds (rattles, your voice), gentle skin-to-skin contact for tactile input.
Technology: Swatting at soft, dangling toys.
Engineering: Observing how you stack soft toys.
Art: Showing them high-contrast black and white cards, gentle massage with different textured cloths.
Math: Counting their fingers and toes, singing rhythmic songs.
Q8: HOW CAN I INCORPORATE THESE ACTIVITIES INTO MY BUSY SCHEDULE?
A8: The beauty of infant STEM is that it doesn't require dedicated blocks of time. It's about turning everyday moments into learning opportunities:
Diaper Changes: Point out body parts, count fingers/toes.
Meal Times: Talk about the colors and textures of food, introduce baby-safe spoons.
Bath Time: Explore water (splashing, pouring with safe cups), talk about buoyancy.
Tummy Time: Place interesting textures or toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and exploration.
Walks: Point out leaves, trees, listen to sounds, feel the breeze. It's about being present and narrating their world. For continued, effortless engagement as they grow, our The Chef's Club ($$) subscription delivers a new, exciting STEM adventure right to your door every month.
Let your baby's interest and excitement lead the way—follow their gaze, gestures, and interests.
Narrate the experience—use rich language: “The water is cold and splashy!”
Repeat and reflect—babies thrive on repetition to build understanding.
Document micro-moments—photos, notes, or short videos can capture scientific engagement.
Further Reading fROM uS
Activities For
Playtime Science
for Babies
Playtime Science- PDF
Overview for This Webpage
Baby Physics- Balls- Cars Things That Roll PDF
Playtime Science-Fabulus Physics-PDF
Playtime Science -Physics and Chemistry of Playdough- PDF
Playtime Science- Resources for Parent -PDF
Playtime Science- Botany & Nature Play
Playtime Science -Hydrology & Fluid Dynamics in Painting
Playtime Science -Pre-Chemisty Play
Playtime Science-Why spend time outside?
Playtime Science- STEAM Resources and Books
Playtime Science-Discovery Games
Incredible Kids Network PDF'S
ART STEAM
Easy Collage PDF
Create With Me Art Ideas Toddlers & Up PDF
NATURE STEAM
Nature Play for Babies 0-2 PDF
Nature and Discovery Activities pdf
Resources For Baby Nature Play pdf
Exploring Nature with Babies PDF
Other STEAM
Infant Toddler Science PDF
Stem Toys and Play-Inspiring Toddlers PDF
Building Blocks for Baby PDF
Creating Fun Outdoor Play PDF
Further Reading
Incredible Baby Network
WEB PAGES
NATURE PLAY STEAM
Babies and Tots Exploring Our World
Babies in Nature
Enjoying Nature with Babies & Toddlers
Nature in the first six months
Waterplay, Hiking & Camping -ADVENTURES With Babies
Waterplay, Camping & Hiking -ADVENTURES W/ Baby Pt 2
Infants Enjoying Nature
Seasonal Nature for Babies
How to Find Wildlife
Spying on Animals in the Great Outdoors
Family Adventures With Baby & Toddler
Easy Nature Play Activities
Simple Outdoor Adventures
Infants Enjoying Nature
BABY STEAM
Baby STEAM- Science For Babies
INFANT- TODDLER STEAM & SCIENCE
Incredible Baby STEAM
STEAM Activities and Storybooks- Age 1-3
Fabulous Physics for Babies and More
