Multi-dimensional online learning from Stepping Stones Studio
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive learning interruption for children everywhere, with those in low socioeconomic areas being the most vulnerable. Stepping Stones Museum for Children is responding by applying its reputable, multidimensional, play-based learning approach to launch the new Stepping Stones Studio.
Live! from Stepping Stones Studio will connect children and families from around the state, across the nation, and anywhere in the world where there are eager minds that want to explore. Daily programming will include STEAM-powered, playfilled educational classes, clubs, workshops, and other immersive events from the award-winning children’s museum that will inspire and delight young learners.
“Stepping Stones has spent the last 20 years providing exceptional, playful learning opportunities for children that foster their understanding and appreciation of the world,” said President and
CEO Rhonda Kiest. “As the pandemic forces families to experience learning virtually, we feel our mission has never been more needed. Even though we’ve been closed to the public since March, we’ve made it our priority to answer the call in our community to support children and families with connections to inspirational and interactive learning opportunities.”
The Stepping Stones learning framework
The Stepping Stones approach to learning is multifaceted to enable children’s healthy development, with an emphasis on building language and literacy skills, expanding background knowledge, and enhancing physical and social-emotional growth and wellbeing. Launched in 2007, Healthy Children, Healthy Communities is a museum initiative that teaches children how to make positive, sustainable choices about their health, the health of their communities, and the environment.
“The work that Stepping Stones Studio is doing will go a long way toward addressing the need for substantive virtual experience,” said Margie B. Gillis, Ed.D., President of Literacy How and long-time museum partner. “While COVID continues to necessitate the use of technology to support students’ exposure to content, Stepping Stones Studio will provide immersive, interactive, content-rich learning experiences.”
As soon as the pandemic forced the museum to temporarily close to the general public in March, Stepping Stones immediately committed itself to continuing its important community work by providing virtual learning experiences every week. Adhering to strict guidelines from the Connecticut State Department of Health and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the museum also continues to provide essential early childhood education through its Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) preschools around Fairfield County.
Learn more at https://wwwsteppingstonesmuseum.org/studio/.