Kindergarten Enrichment Program—Learning through Play

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St. Mark's Kindergarten Enrichment Program is based on research completed by members of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab and the directors of the d.school at Stanford University, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) units of study all in a fun, collaborative, hands-on learning environment. (Bus service is available for Westbrook students through District 57.)

STEAM units of study include:
  • Mechanics/simple machines
  • Magnetism
  • Sound
  • Electronic Circuitry
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Engineering and Motors
  • Computer Programming/Logic
  • Reverse Engineering

The program utilizes such technology and learning models as:
  • Little Bits, specially designed for small hands to learn, build, prototype, and invent with electronic circuitry. These magnetic modules snap together without soldering or wiring.
  • Makey Makey, a device designed at the MIT Media Lab for kindergartners to create inventions and experiences by combining computer programming with everyday objects and materials.
  • Design Thinking, a strategy for problem-solving that was developed at the d.school at Stanford University.
  • Scratch, a fun and interactive program designed at the MIT Media Lab for kindergartners to develop their computer programming and logical thinking skills.