What is your cancellation and return policy?
Purchases are nonrefundable.
What will I receive in the mail?
You will receive a package of materials for the month that is separated by topic/class. On the day of class, you will use the kit that corresponds to that day, and save the remaining kits for the rest of the month.
What happens after I submit my pre-registration form?
We will send you an invoice through PayPal to complete your registration. Once payment is received, your child's kit of materials will be prepared and shipped to the mailing address provided on the form. Your class Zoom link will be sent via email.
How can I pay with my EFA funds?
To register using your EFA funds, please send an email with the desired day of class to brightsparkstem@gmail.com. You can then submit payment directly through your ClassWallet account. Learn more here.
I want to register my child, but the session for the month has already started. What should I do?
If you register for a session that has already started, you will still receive the kit of materials for the weeks that were missed and the class guide so you can teach them at home. Missed classes will not be repeated or made up.
Why should my child enroll in STEM classes?
By enrolling your child in our STEM classes, you are providing opportunities for them to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math content while practicing crucial 21st century skills. STEM education helps to foster a mindset of resilience and perseverance through its incorporation of the Engineering Design Process, which encourages students to try a design, test it, evaluate it, and then improve it as needed. Since STEM challenges are not typical cookie-cutter crafts, students develop a growth mindset, where they are given opportunities to "fail" in a safe, positive environment. In fact, "failing" is actually encouraged! Although some STEM challenges can feel frustrating at first, over time, students become problem solvers and critical thinkers. Our STEM classes are designed to help students learn to persevere through their struggles and not give up. This is such an important skill for toddlers and kids to learn!
Who is it for?
Bright Spark STEM offers online classes geared towards children ages 3-6.
Who teaches the classes?
All classes are created and taught by a licensed New Hampshire STEM teacher.
What will my child learn?
Our programs are designed to provide an early introduction to design thinking and the engineering design process through literacy, engaging activities and fun STEM challenges. There is also a heavy focus on early math and engineering skills, which are taught in a scientific context.
What makes Bright Spark STEM unique from other STEM classes?
Our classes are unique for many reasons! First, our classes are live (not video recorded!). Each class is unique and personalized, and active class participation is required. (Please be available to help your child mute/unmute the microphone as needed!) The curriculum is written and taught by a passionate, knowledgeable STEM teacher.
We are also unique because all participants will receive STEM challenge materials in the mail ahead of time to use during class. (Materials may include things like: photos of characters from a story we read, pieces of tin foil, squares of tissue paper, craft sticks, stickers, card stock, or other consumable items which will be used during class to create a fun, engaging hands-on learning experience.) Your child will NOT be passively watching a screen (except while watching the short read-aloud). Children will be busy for the entire class!
Lastly, caretakers will receive a Class Guide for each class to help support and extend their child's learning experience. Our guide is designed to support the adult who will be supporting the student.
How is the class period structured?
In our Story Time STEM class, students will first integrate literacy by listening to an age-appropriate story. Then, there are usually 1-2 short activities that include early math skills like sorting, counting, or classifying information. At the end, students will be given a challenge or task to solve that relates to the story and theme of the month.
How do I access my Zoom link?
The Zoom link will be sent via email after payment is received.
Other questions? Send an email to brightsparkSTEM@gmail.com