Come and Chat with Sandra About STEM with Toddlers | A Must-Listen Teacher Podcast for Early Years Educators
If you are looking for a teacher podcast packed with practical ideas for early years learning, this episode is for you. Listen in to the Award Winning Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast.
In Season 2, Episode 9 of our podcast, we sit down with Sandra Beale to explore one of the biggest questions in early years education:
How do we introduce STEM learning to toddlers in a playful, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate way?
For teachers, practitioners, nursery staff, and parents working with young children, this conversation is full of inspiration, reassurance, and practical ideas you can start using immediately.
Whether you are searching for a teacher podcast, an EYFS podcast, or fresh inspiration for early years learning, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how STEM can begin long before formal schooling.
What Is STEM in Early Years?
When many people hear the word STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), they imagine complicated experiments, robots, coding, or older children working on technical challenges.
But as Sandra explains, STEM for toddlers looks very different.
In the early years, STEM is rooted in:
- curiosity
- exploration
- questioning
- problem-solving
- sensory play
- investigation through hands-on experiences
For toddlers, STEM happens naturally through play.
Stacking blocks, pouring water, investigating textures, building towers, exploring cause and effect, asking questions, and testing ideas are all early foundations of STEM thinking.
That means practitioners don’t need expensive equipment or formal lessons to encourage STEM learning. Discover more about Outdoor STEM Early Years.
Instead, the key is creating environments where curiosity is welcomed.
Why This Teacher Podcast Episode Matters
Many educators want to include more STEM in their settings but often wonder:
“Am I doing enough?”
“What does STEM actually look like in nursery or EYFS?”
“How do I make STEM age appropriate for toddlers?”
This episode helps answer those questions.
Sandra shares practical insights about how toddlers learn through exploration and why adults should feel confident in following children’s interests rather than trying to force structured activities too early.
For educators listening to this teacher podcast, the message is reassuring:
You are probably already doing more STEM than you realise. Delve into Early Years Solar Systems Play.
STEM Learning Through Play in EYFS
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the reminder that play matters.
In early years education, STEM does not have to feel formal or intimidating.
Instead, practitioners can encourage STEM thinking through everyday experiences such as:
- water play and floating/sinking investigations
- den building and construction activities
- outdoor exploration and nature discovery
- measuring, counting, and comparing objects
- sensory trays and loose parts play
- asking open-ended questions that spark curiosity
These experiences help children begin developing critical thinking, observation skills, communication, resilience, and confidence.
That is why STEM belongs naturally in EYFS settings.
Meet Sandra Beale
Sandra Beale is passionate about helping educators and families make STEM accessible for young children.
Through her teaching and content, she supports practitioners in introducing STEM in ways that feel achievable, playful, and meaningful for toddlers and early years learners.
You can explore Sandra’s work here:
Why Teachers Should Listen to This Podcast Episode
If you enjoy a podcast for teachers that gives real-world classroom inspiration, this episode is worth adding to your playlist.
You will come away with:
- practical STEM ideas for toddlers
- reassurance that learning through play matters
- confidence to support curiosity in your setting
- inspiration for EYFS activities and provision
- a deeper understanding of early STEM development
Whether you are a nursery practitioner, reception teacher, childminder, teaching assistant, or parent, there is something valuable in this conversation. Discover seasonal outdoor STEM ideas for early years.
Frequently Asked Questions About STEM for Toddlers
What does STEM mean in early years?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In early years settings, STEM focuses on curiosity, problem-solving, exploration, and learning through play. Explore more early years outdoor resources.
Can toddlers really learn STEM?
Yes. Toddlers explore STEM naturally through building, sorting, investigating, experimenting, asking questions, and discovering how things work.
How can EYFS teachers encourage STEM?
Teachers can encourage STEM through open-ended play, outdoor exploration, construction activities, sensory learning, and encouraging children to investigate and ask questions.
What is a good teacher podcast for EYFS educators?
If you are looking for a teacher podcast focused on practical ideas, early years education, and child development, this episode featuring Sandra Beale offers useful inspiration around STEM with toddlers.
Listen to the Episode
If you want fresh ideas for STEM learning, practical early years inspiration, and honest conversation about teaching and child development, don’t miss this episode. Listen in now.
And if you enjoy the show, please send us fan mail and support the podcast.
