Introduction

ReIntroduction, October 2015

More than once my son has been described as "all boy" because of his high energy, imperviousness to pain, and obsession with all things mechanical. (I won't mention that his favorite color is pink.) His attention to simple machines started when he was six months old and his grandmother gave him his first toy car. The car was merely a drop in the pail compared to the massive quantity of gifts the child was receiving. I was struck by two things: how the single high-quality toy was received and how the oodles of other toys laying around the house seemed to offer little or no value. The moment my son fell in love with the wheel was the moment I began supporting his interest. I began offering him books and experiences that supported his interest in and learning about mechanics, physics and engineering.

My friends marveled at our activities and how my young child played. After many conversations and at their urging, I began to write. I started by writing "Playground Physics" and researching early childhood education. But the topic of Playground Physics was too narrow. My dedication to the topic kept me at the playground and I didn't allow myself room to grow. As my learning grew, so did my writing and Preschool Engineering evolved. I describe interesting activities we do, I review books and toys, and I write about parenting. My topic is narrow enough to keep me focused but broad enough to allow me room to grow: I am an advocate for children to be playful, independent STEAM learners.

Most of what I've learned about early childhood education I have learned because of my nerdiness. My formal education is marked by three advanced degrees: a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MSE in Electrical Engineering and an MA in Science Curriculum and Instruction. My informal education comes from my bookish habits - I read everything from board books to parenting books to novels and research articles - as well as my experience as a parent.

Now that that is all said and done, I welcome you again to my blog.




Introduction

The value of a toy is not merely in the having of the toy; it is realized when a child plays. The right toy played with at the right time elicits the joy and wonder of learning.

When my son had just learned to sit he fell in love with cars and trucks and things that go. For two years his interests were primarily related to types of cars and trucks - how they worked and why they worked. Now that he is four years old his interests have evolved from cars and trucks and things that go to a broader category - mechanical stuff.

As Mikey's mom, I am constantly looking to scaffold his interests with toys, books, games, videos and experiences that interest him and provide fun opportunities to learn. It has challenged me to look at the world through his eyes, to be creative and open with where to find resources for him. I am writing the Preschool Engineer blog because I haven't yet found anything like it.

Each entry will provide a small list of related toys, books, games, videos and/or experiences. I will offer a brief explanation of how they are related and links to where you can purchase them. I imagine you are looking for ideas for gifts or themes for your preschooler to discover. I hope my posts inspire you to look at the world through your little Preschool Engineer's eyes and to find ways to engage in the mechanical inner-workings of our world.