[CASL-L] play based learning

[Cheryl Tokarski]

Check out Seeds of STEM (overview attached). These resources were developed at WPI through grant and are freely available. There is an info session on Monday if you are interested (see below for that information and Mia's contact info).

Also, consider joining our CT Innovation Collaborative. Although this is a K-12 group, we have lots of elementary teachers involved. Our next meeting is October 1st at Beman Middle School in Middletown. Here is a flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gDTbaTWjxfznTxqleS-Jkgz5aiAo-UVm/view?usp=sharing> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gDTbaTWjxfznTxqleS-Jkgz5aiAo-UVm/view?usp=sharing> outlining this session - you can register at https://forms.gle/7JAkR42rD6gwfHJe6.

Finally, check out a new collaborative forming - the STEM Alliance of Connecticut (STEM-ACT). We are working to create a central hub for all things STEM-related in CT so that there is better visibility into and coherence around all the great things happening. Let's work together so that we can take advantage of the hard work being done!

[cid:d89fbb9f-7b30-4758-98fe-d1940279a4ea]
Cheryl Tokarski
Director
STEM Alliance of Connecticut (STEM-ACT)
www.stemact.org<http://Www.stemact.org>

Seeds of STEM<https://www.seedsofstem.org/>, the science & engineering curriculum for PreK-K classrooms, will hold an info session this Thursday June 26, at 11 am.



During the session we will share the pedagogical approach focused on problem solving and the science & engineering practices, review selected units and support materials (books, images, and video library), discuss standard alignment, and provide more information about this free resource and training options. Feel free to share this with colleagues.



Date:    Monday, September 15, 2025

Time:   3:30 – 4:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Zoom link: https://wpi.zoom.us/meeting/register/i2L9RiXvR2yxZ16375XVVQ



Looking forward to seeing you,

Mia





About the Seeds of STEM curriculum:

The Seeds of STEM curriculum includes 8 units (see topics attached); each unit engages the young students in science explorations followed by an engineering (problem-solving) task. The problems are presented by Problem Panda, the curriculum loveable character, and the children are applying the science concepts they discovered to solve Panda’s problem. The curriculum is a free open educational resource.

In-person or virtual training sessions at your school (for up to 40 teachers) can be scheduled year-round.







ASK ME ABOUT WPI’S NEW ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE for TEACHERS in INTEGRATED STEM EDUCATION<https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/integrated-stem-education-ms>



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mia Dubosarsky, PhD

Director, Professional Development<https://www.wpi.edu/academics/stem-education-center/professional-development>
MS in Integrated STEM Program
Seeds of STEM<https://seedsofstem.org/>

The STEM Education Center at WPI



Worcester Polytechnic Institute

100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609



508-831-5617

mdubosarsky at wpi.edu<mailto:mdubosarsky at wpi.edu>

wpi.edu/+STEM<https://www.wpi.edu/academics/stem-education-center>



________________________________
From: CASL-L <casl-l-bounces+cheryl.tokarski=gmail.com at mylist.net> on behalf of Paula Gajewski <pgajewski at torrington.org>
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2025 8:51 AM
To: Elizabeth Doran <shutterbug5253 at uri.edu>
Cc: Laura Hedenberg <lhedenberg at barkhamstedschool.org>; CASL_L <casl-l at mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] play based learning

Same with me!  We have pre k in our building this year and I can use more play based/makerspace ideas.

Paula

Paula Gajewski
Vogel School Library Media Specialist &
CFLC Resource Librarian
Torrington Public Schools
355 Migeon Ave.
Torrington, CT 06790
860-800-2352 (call/text)


On Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM Elizabeth Doran via CASL-L <casl-l at mylist.net<mailto:casl-l at mylist.net>> wrote:
Can I please be included in this?? I also a doing makerspace for the first time and need examples

Beth

On Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM Laura Hedenberg <lhedenberg at barkhamstedschool.org<mailto:lhedenberg at barkhamstedschool.org>> wrote:
Hi.  Is there anyone using play based learning in their K-5 library?  Or using it in makerspace/tech time?
I would love to get ideas and possibly visit to see it in action. I'm working on play-based for my goal this year.

Thanks
Laura

--
Laura Hedenberg
Library Media Specialist
Barkhamsted School
"By not running from the books that pain us, we can allow them to transform us."  Dr.  Ibram X. Kendi





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