At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. The curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning and grow as people.

We got the opportunity to chat with Alexia Seba-Robles, the founder and curriculum developer of Urban STEAM Lab, where every child has the opportunity to explore, create, and inspire. In our conversation, we learned more about the benefits of out-of-school enrichment activities, inspiring moments in the lab, and so much more.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.

In short, I wanted to provide a space where children could learn on their own terms. It is so important to give them autonomy over their own learning, and traditional schooling doesn’t really allow for that kind of open exploration. As humans we learn by doing, and I wanted to expand the opportunity to as many kinds of families and children as I could.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?

A big part of my teaching philosophy comes from not looking like what most people think of when they hear the word “scientist,” and I challenge that stereotype with pride. On a field trip a wide-eyed, 5th grade girl said, “You’re a scientist?! You own this place?!” When I said, “Yes!”, she said “Dang! That means I can do it too?!” That crystal clear confirmation that representation matters so much reinvigorated my “why” as an educator.

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?

Getting to build relationships with the children I teach is easily the most rewarding part of what I do. They are all so different and bright and creative and funny. It is humbling to get to watch them become more and more of who they are meant to be.

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?

One of my long time students, who has now aged out of the programs offered at USL, volunteers now anytime we have a special event. I overheard him telling other prospective students and parents that he considered Urban STEAM Lab to be his second home and that I’m like his second mom. I was so moved that his time at USL meant as much to him as it does to me.

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?

We had an animation themed week one summer, and some of the older children were brainstorming what to do. They kept their project a secret until the final reveal: they had recreated the movie Jaws in stop-motion animation, complete with voice overs of each of them getting eaten. It was a hit. Everyone was laughing and rooting for their classmates until they met their untimely demise. It was Jaws-some.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?

‍Extracurricular enrichment in STEM is especially so important for children because they don’t get many opportunities to mess around with their own ideas and imagination. At Urban STEAM Lab, they get to experience answering their own musings and questions about the world around them. Not only are they learning about the world, but they are learning how to trust themselves in solving problems and generating ideas.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?

I think we underestimate what simple exposure and imaginative play can do to help children discover and build on their passions. Museums, days out on the town, playdates at other families’ houses, neighborhood events are all ways for children to gain new experiences. From there, parents can help to guide their exploration.