Tensai Academy
Blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math through imagination and play.
Tensai STEM Academy's Pre-K and Kindergarten level, creativity resources help kids explore, create, and express ideas, while developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. At this age, the focus is on process over perfection.
Key STEAM Skills
- Creativity and imagination
- Confidence and self-expression
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Fine motor skills
- Design thinking
Creative Exploration
Children explore materials freely to express ideas.
What Kids Learn:
- There is more than one way to create
- Exploration builds confidence
Example Activities:
- Painting
- Building with recycled materials
- Mixing colors
Art & Design Thinking
Children plan and design simple creations.
What Kids Learn:
- Ideas can be planned
- Designs can be improved
Example Activities:
- Drawing a simple plan before building
- Choosing colors and shapes intentionally
Creativity Through Making (Hands-On Learning)
Children create objects using a variety of materials.
What Kids Learn:
- Creating involves trial and error
Example Activities:
- Cardboard constructions
- Clay models
Storytelling & Imagination
Children express ideas through stories and role-play.
What Kids Learn:
- Stories have a beginning, middle, and end
Example Activities:
- Drawing stories
- Acting out scenes
- Making puppets
Music & Rhythm
Children explore sounds, rhythm, and patterns.
What Kids Learn:
- Sound comes from vibration
- Rhythm follows patterns
Example Activities:
- Clapping patterns
- Homemade instruments
- Singing simple songs
Creative Problem Solving
Children use creativity to solve simple problems.
What Kids Learn:
- Problems can have many solutions
Example Activities:
- Building a bridge from blocks
- Fixing a tower that falls
Combining Art With Science
Children explore scientific ideas through art.
What Kids Learn:
- Art can show how things work
Example Activities:
- Painting life cycles
- Drawing weather scenes
- Color mixing experiments
Sensory Exploration
Children explore materials using their senses.
What Kids Learn:
- Senses help us learn about the world
Example Activities:
- Sand and water play
- Texture boards
- Play dough
Open-Ended Materials
Children use materials with no single “right” outcome.
What Kids Learn:
- Creativity has no fixed answers
Example Activities:
- Loose parts
- Natural materials (leaves, stones)
- Recyclables
Spatial & Visual Creativity
Children explore shapes, space, and structure creatively.
What Kids Learn:
- Objects take up space
- Shapes fit together in different ways
Example Activities:
- Block building
- Puzzle making
- 3D art
Collaboration & Group Creativity
Children create together and share ideas.
What Kids Learn:
- Teamwork builds better ideas
- Shapes fit together in different ways
Example Activities:
- Group murals
- Collaborative building projects
Creative Expression Through Movement
Children express ideas and feelings through movement.
What Kids Learn:
- Bodies can be tools for creativity
Example Activities:
- Dance
- Movement patterns
- Acting out stories
Reflection & Sharing
Children talk about their creations.
What Kids Learn:
- Explaining ideas builds confidence
Example Activities:
- Showing and telling their work
- Talking about how something was made
Rockets are cool. There’s no getting around that.
ELON MUSK
