When you think of a typical day in preschool, what comes to mind? You might think of blocks, coloring, music, and lots of playing. Many people associate the preschool years with fun, friends, and exploration. But did you know these years are also a time of huge growth and development?
Children’s brains develop more in the first five years of life than at any other time in their lives. While young kids play, their brains are absorbing information and making critical connections. This foundation of learning will support what they learn for the rest of their lives.
Introducing children to big concepts at an early age is essential. Immersing young minds in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) can give them an important educational boost. This early learning will help them understand these concepts later in life.
But how do you teach STEM to preschoolers? At New Horizons, our experienced educators know how children learn best. We plan exciting, engaging lessons that can help little learners build a solid foundation of STEM skills.
This article will explore how to support your little one’s STEM learning. Reach out to the team at New Horizons to discover our enriching early learning programs. You may also schedule a tour of our center.
What is STEM?
The term “STEM” stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Many early childhood education experts believe it is important to introduce these subjects to children at an early age. They believe encouraging children to explore STEM concepts in early learning can help them gain critical skills. These skills may benefit them throughout school and open up new doors to exciting, meaningful careers.
The Importance of STEM in Early Childhood Education
Many people may not immediately think of learning STEM as a part of a typical preschool day. However, promoting STEM in an early learning setting can lead to some pretty serious benefits.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of incorporating STEM experiences in early childhood education.
Improved problem-solving skills
Engaging with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can expand a child’s view of the world. Children learn about new ways to see and solve problems. This can carry through to other parts of their lives.
Learning to explore the natural world and examine how things work can help children develop curiosity. They will be better able to use creativity when solving problems in school and in life.
More opportunities
Thinking about your child as an adult might be hard when they’re still so little. However, careers in STEM fields are growing at a rapid rate with no sign of slowing down. Encouraging your child’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math at a young age may encourage them to pursue STEM subjects in high school and college. Professional development in STEM careers can mean more job opportunities and security in the future.
A love of learning
Children often have a natural curiosity about how things work. They love to observe their environment and discover why things are the way they are.
Hands-on STEM activities can get kids moving, noticing, and exploring. Engaging in STEM learning can help kids develop a lifelong love of learning that will benefit them throughout school–and life.
Improved communication skills
Learning STEM concepts can help children build a more diverse vocabulary and better communication skills. Children pick up on new words and concepts through experiments, observation, and other interactive learning. They practice explaining and listening to others’ ideas.
Many STEM activities encourage teamwork, collaboration, and information sharing. All of this can lead to better communication skills and more respect for others.
How to Include STEM in Early Education
Introducing STEM subjects to very young children may seem challenging. However, there are so many fun ways to bring STEM concepts to life in the classroom or at home.
Here are some fun activities to support STEM learning with young children.
Science fun
- Play “sink or float” with toys or other items
- Watch a caterpillar transform into a butterfly
- Fly a kite to learn about wind
Technology fun
- Dismantle a clock or household appliance to discover how it works
- Try to build the highest block tower
- Make simple circuits
Engineering fun
- Lift heavy objects using a simple pulley system
- Experiment with simple machines–ramps, catapults, levers, etc.
- Try out different methods of making a paper airplane
Math fun
- Play simple games that involve number recognition, such as Uno or High Ho Cherry-O!
- Make patterns with colorful blocks or beads
- Make a simple chart to record information about your class or family, such as your favorite food or movie
Read books about people in STEM fields and look for creative community events that encourage these activities. The more you build STEM into your daily routine, the bigger the benefits will be!
Find Early Learning Programs
If you are a parent or caregiver looking for enriching early learning programs, explore the programs at New Horizons. Our dedicated educators provide safe, nurturing programs that prepare kids for kindergarten success.
Contact the team at New Horizons to schedule a tour of our learning center. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
