Our Science and Math

In the early years (birth through age 5), educational programs are most effective when the content of learning is focused on supporting the development of strategies, dispositions, and skills for learning through play and inquiry. Through play and inquiry, young children practice ways of learning and interacting with the world around them, which they will apply throughout their lives.

At Hopwood Child Care we consider what children know, what they wonder about, and their working theories about the world around them. Wonder and inquiry are STEM focuses for the littlest learners. 

We encourage wonder and inquiry by creating an enriching environment for each young learner. One of the secrets to encouraging interest and a desire to learn science and math is

Loose Parts.

According to The Theory of Loose Parts, these items are materials with no specific set of directions that can be used alone or combined with other materials. In play, loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together.

All of these types of play set children up for a deeper understanding of mathematics.

At Hopwood Child Care, our loose parts are a mix between natural and synthetic. We have loose parts available indoors and outdoors.

Our loose parts allow for limitless creativity, hands-on experiences, and STEM learning.

Our professionals understand the value and necessity of having loose parts available for the children, meaning that they are in integral part in our play spaces, learning centers, and outdoor classrooms areas.