Introducing concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the early childhood classroom is crucial to children’s growth and development. As young children engage in hands-on explorations, they build essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration – all while having fun and improving their knowledge of the world.
This article highlights our favorite educator-approved toys and learning materials for incorporating STEM lessons and hands-on explorations in the early childhood classroom. Keep reading to see which options might be a fit for you and how you can use them to create powerful learning experiences for children of all ages.
What STEM products do you need in your early childhood classroom?
No matter which STEM items you incorporate in your classroom, the key is to choose products that lend themselves to hands-on learning, exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. The following is not an exhaustive list of STEM products you can buy from Kaplan. Still, we wanted to share options that reinforce developmentally appropriate learning styles and accommodate the various needs of children from 12 months of age and up.
Light Tables
Light tables provide more than just a glowing surface for play, they are a gateway to hands-on STEM learning, sensory exploration, and creativity in the early childhood classroom. Children can explore concepts such as reflections, shadows, transparency, and cause and effect when interacting with light tables. A few of our best-selling, classroom-friendly light table options include:
- Magnetic LED STEM Center - large enough for collaborative group play, with three built-in cubbies for accessory and loose parts storage
- Wooden Preschool Tabletop Light Box – a sturdy option for limited classroom space, making it easy to incorporate in tracing, writing, and art activities
- Toddler Light Table – freestanding table with a soft, illuminated surface that supports STEM learning in children 18 months and up
Sand and Water Tables
With sand and water tables, you can encourage sensory exploration both inside and outside the classroom, enriching hands-on play experiences throughout the day. Whether children are digging in the sand or splashing in the water, you can incorporate loose materials that will facilitate math, literacy, social, and emotional skill development in exciting ways. A few of our best-selling sand water tables include:
- Indoor/Outdoor Sand and Water Table – with locking casters and a fabric cover, teachers can easily maneuver this table around the classroom and keep materials contained when not in use
- Adjustable Sand and Water Table – height adjustable legs accommodate children of all ages and abilities as they dig, splash, and explore
- Tabletop Sand and Water Table – compact choice for small classroom spaces or for children who prefer exploring sensory materials away from a large group setting
Engineering and Building Sets
Blocks, gears, and other engineering materials turn classroom free-play into fascinating building, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect opportunities. Children must put on their critical thinking caps as they stack blocks to create towering structures, position ramps and bridges for routed pathways, and test materials to determine which is most durable. A few of our best-selling engineering sets include:
- Ramp and Roll Discovery Blocks - easy-to-clean oversized foam pieces encourage collaborative building as children create routes for the included balls to roll down
- Random Robots Loose Parts STEM Kit - a laboratory of experimental opportunity, children can use loose parts and tools to create robots and other creatures
- Grippies® Shake, Build, and Curve 70 Piece Set - a unique structural experience for ages 18 months +, this set will stimulate the senses as children build
Coding and Robotics Toys
Whether programming a friendly robot to follow a path or using cute, coded critters to tell stories and act out challenges, children will love the addition of coding and robotics toys in the early childhood classroom. These interactive tools support logical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and problem-solving. A few of our best-selling coding and robotics toys include:
- Coding Critters – invite children to solve coding challenges as they play with a variety of interactive pets, including a dog, cat, rabbit, and dinosaur
- Bee-Bot® - with the ability to remember up to 40 directional commands, this friendly robot can move around the classroom as it enriches coding skill development
- Pre-Coding Penguins Software – made for tablets and interactive panels, this coding software introduces children to animated penguins who love creating matches, sequences, patterns, and more
Sensory Science Materials
Materials that stimulate the senses, whether auditory, visual, or tactile, help bring classroom lessons to life and deepen children’s understanding of STEM concepts. Using the senses to explore and play also reinforces skill development, fine motor strength, and dexterity. A few of our favorite sensory materials for the early childhood classroom include:
- Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzles – chunky pieces featuring interesting textures click together to form realistic replicas of extinct creatures and geological findings
- Sensory Egg Shakers – filled with a variety of materials, children ages 12 months and up can explore sounds and textures as they shake, roll, and toss each egg
- Organic Textures Discovery Set – featuring authentic replicas of shells, seeds, coral, fossils, and more, children can examine the natural world no matter their environment
Want to equip your classroom with these STEM products?
Using light, sensory materials, cute creatures, and other STEM products in your classroom can create an early childhood environment that sparks creativity, encourages critical thinking, and supports positive collaboration. Having the right tools and toys within reach will undoubtedly enrich daily lessons and activities and the way children learn and grow. If you are ready to bring the power of STEM into your classroom, explore these and other must-have products on our website! 
