WESTFIELD-A new family event on April 18 promises to build a child’s curiosity and encourage their understanding of science, technology, engineering, art and math.
The free program, titled STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), is planned from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Library of the Westfield Athenaeum. Space is limited and early registration is advised.
Sarah Scott, youth services librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum, and Paula Hebert-Pike, grant coordinator for Westfield Coordinated Family Community Engagement (CFCE), are handling the logistics of the event.
“We have collaborated on other activities and programs for children, such as Bingo for Books and Reading Alive, but this is our first STEAM event together,” said Scott. “We both strive to encourage literary, education, and family programs.”
Hebert-Pike noted that the CFCE grant is funded by the state Department of Early Education and Care and is administered by the Westfield Public Schools. The grant was originally called Community Partnerships for Children which began in 1993. Each year, the Westfield Public Schools submits the grant request to the state.
“The grant focuses on providing Westfield families with meaningful activities, events and programs which focus on early literary, STEAM, school readiness, and strengthening the role of the parent as their child’s first teacher,” said Hebert-Pike.
Hebert-Pike added that CFCE offers a variety of parent and child programs including play groups, literary activities, community events, and for the first time this year a citywide “Countdown to Kindergarten” event.
“All programs and events we offer are free of charge and the age group we work with is birth to 8 years old,” said Hebert-Pike.
In addition to the Westfield Athenaeum, Hebert-Pike collaborates with community agencies including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Domus, Inc., Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center, and Thom Westfield Infant Toddler Services.
This month’s library program will feature a variety of activities, ranging from experimenting with ingredients to create one’s own slime, to tinkering with circuit boards and “LittleBits” pieces to create simple circuits. Activities will also include creating a car to race around the room and measure how far it travels, and using liquid watercolors and cooking oil to make a unique masterpiece. Additionally, youngsters will use their math skills to create patterns using beads and will build shapes using toothpicks and marshmallows.
The program is aimed at children ages 5 to 8 and will feature group interactions for approximately 20 minutes at each activity station.
“We want children to learn more about these topics as they are having fun,” said Scott.
Hebert-Pike shared those sentiments.
“This event also encourages children to interact with their parents and caregivers as they are exploring new ideas and learning new skills,” said Hebert-Pike.
For more information on the family program or to register, call (413) 562-6158, ext. 5, or visit www.westath.org.
“Kids will have a great time learning through hands-on play,” said Scott, adding that participants will go home with their creations.
