STEM education or science, technology, engineering and mathematics can be considered the backbone of all learning. Everything we encounter and even depend on in daily life utilizes these four pillars in a some type of way. With the world around us continuously developing and changing, having a firm grasp of these principles from an early age will be what guides future generations of innovative and critical thinkers.
As children grow they have a natural curiosity and readiness to learn from nature and their surroundings. Introducing the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math can easily be accomplished through simple activities at home like cooking/baking, gardening, fixing a toy, or DIY science experiments. You can also find a variety of pre-K/elementary STEM classes and workshops. Structured and fun hands on activities will engage children through problem solving and foster both their curiosity and readiness to learn about how things work.
There are several benefits of STEM education for children including enhanced reading/literacy skills, creativity, and a general enthusiasm for learning. Enhanced reading and literacy skills may not be something you typically think of as a benefit of STEM learning but the two actually go hand in hand. According to the National Program Manager of ReadingPartners, STEM disciplines require the interpretation of technical texts, a vast knowledge of content specific vocabulary, critical thinking, and the ability to clearly communicate these complex concepts to others verbally and in writing*. When your child is involved in STEM education, they will build their literacy skills through both traditional and non-traditional ways including expanding on their vocabulary, research of topics relevant to problem solving or classroom projects, reading and interpretation of instructions, graphs. charts, diagrams, and more.
Another benefit of STEM education is how it allows creativity to flourish. In contrast to traditional lecture based classroom learning, STEM education is focused on exploration and hands on learning where children are encouraged to be creative while they simultaneously acquire knowledge in the core competencies. Both artists and scientists use trial and error, apply their imaginations, possess curiosity, and draw on creativity, to reach a solution. This is also true in STEM as it requires creativity to discover new things and stokes the fires of curiosity with one question leading to another**. Children have the opportunity to regularly design, create, interact and invent through STEM programs like robotics, coding, video game design, engineering with building blocks, and science experimentation.
A lifelong love of learning is an additional advantage of STEM education. According to STEAM Powered Family, the greatest benefit of STEM is that it fosters that love of learning. Instilling that passion and drive to learn is at it’s most crucial stage during the elementary years***. When children embrace the core concepts of STEM at an early age, they will see that these subjects are not boring or difficult/intimidating. Through a positive environment where failure is looked upon as an opportunity to grow and learn, and exploration and discovery are a regular part of the educational process, children will develop a love for learning. They can thrive in a setting that is collaborative and allows for individual creativity as discoveries are made, solutions are found and confidence is built.
It is never too early or late to start your child in STEM education. An excellent place to begin researching options for local classes, workshops, after-school programs, camps, or preschool is Snapology (or start your own Snapology franchise!). Snapology engages children ages 1-14 through activities that encourage social skills and teamwork, while also teaching science, technology, engineering, art, math and literacy concepts. Their flexible curriculum allows teachers to adapt to the needs of each unique group of students while allowing children to progress and explore at their own pace. With a variety of classes to choose from including LEGO® themed classes and workshops, robotics, video game design, animation, Minecraft®, engineering, and Snapology Scientists programs, your child will be excited to learn and create. They even offer birthday parties with popular themes like LEGO® Friends®, Minecraft® and Star Wars®, so your little one can have a unique and fun celebration with their friends and family! Snapology is all inclusive so gifted, traditional, and special needs can all collaborate and benefit from their curriculum.
Are your children involved in STEM programs? What are your favorite aspects of STEM education? Comment below!