Our Blog: May 1, 2026
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Learning shows up in the smallest, most meaningful moments. During this mid-Spring season in our classrooms, children are exploring our Learn as We Grow® concept of Structure and Function.
This is a BIG idea that helps them understand how things are built and why they work the way they do. At first, it may sound simple. But when children notice how something is shaped and what it can do, they’re engaging in powerful thinking. They’re asking questions, testing ideas, and making connections that support science, problem-solving, and everyday reasoning.
Why this concept matters
Children are natural investigators. When they explore structure and function, they begin to understand curiosities and concepts, such as:
- Why does a spoon work better than a fork for soup?
- How does a bridge stay so strong?
- Why do some toys move and others don’t?
- How do animal bodies help them move, eat, or stay safe?
These experiences help children move beyond just noticing what things are to understand how and why things work. This kind of thinking builds a foundation for STEM learning, critical thinking, and confidence as problem-solvers.
How we bring it to life in the classroom
In our Learn as We Grow® approach, each concept builds on the last. After exploring the units of Community, Change, Compare & Contrast, Cause & Effect, and Patterns, children are ready to take the next step and think more deeply about how the world works.
In our classrooms, you might see children:
- Building towers and testing which structures stay standing
- Exploring different materials (soft, hard, flexible) and how they function
- Using tools with intention (scissors, scoops, ramps)
- Observing nature: “Why do birds have wings?” or “Why do plants grow upward?”
- Asking questions: “Why does this work?” or “What happens if I change it?”
Our teachers guide this learning through hands-on experiences, conversation, and play. Our team helps children slow down, observe, and make meaning from what they discover.
How this learning grows with your child
This concept doesn’t stop in early childhood; it grows right alongside your child. Over time, children begin to understand that structure and function are connected everywhere they look and in everything they do, from the human body to buildings, machines, and systems in nature.
They aren’t just learning facts, they’re learning how to think.
How families can join the fun
You don’t need anything special to explore structure and function at home. It’s already part of your daily routine. Just be intentional about noticing and calling it out. Try these ideas:
- In the kitchen: “Why do we use this tool?” (whisk vs. spoon or bowl vs. plate)
- During play: Build with blocks or pillows and test what makes it stable or wobbly.
- Outside: Look at playground equipment and ask, “Why is this shaped this way?”
- At bath time: Offer prompts, such as, “Which toys float? Which sink? Why might that be?”
- Getting dressed: Ask, “Why do shoes have soles?” or “Why do coats have zippers?”
- Problem-solving together: “This isn’t working. What could we change?”
These small conversations help children connect what they see to how things work to build their curiosity and confidence in observing and seeking solutions.
The big takeaway
When children explore structure and function, they’re not just learning about objects; they’re learning how the world works by testing ideas, solving problems, and asking better questions.
These everyday moments of discovery are building skills that will last far beyond the classroom. At our schools, these moments happen every day, through play, exploration, and the guidance of caring teachers who help children grow and inspire a lifelong Love to Learn.
Additional parent resources
If you’d like to explore this concept further, these trusted early education resources offer simple, research-based ideas:
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):
www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/stem
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
www.developingchild.harvard.edu
PBS Parents - STEM at Home:
www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow
About the Author
Nelle Brien, M.Ed.
With more than 25 years of experience, Nelle Brien is the Director of Education Operations and Integration at Learning Care Group (LCG). She leads a team that manages all classroom materials for new schools and the company's enrichment programs. Nelle also collaborates with various LCG teams to strengthen family engagement, expand teacher training, and drive student success across our community of 1,110+ schools. She’s passionate about providing an engaging learning environment, supporting families, and empowering educators. Nelle is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Early Childhood Education. An avid competitive duplicate bridge player, she is also a proud wife, mother of five, and grandmother of two.
