Professional educators know that STEAM–science, technology, engineering, art, and math–should be a key component of every child’s learning. Some school districts also are aware of this fact, and ensure that their curriculum incorporates STEAM activities beginning in early childhood. Other schools, unfortunately, lack funding to adequately implement such strategies. Here are a few ways that you can incorporate each aspect of STEAM into your child’s life.
1. Science
There are many good science learning resources on the internet, but hands-on science activities can be challenging to participate in apart from a school setting. This is because many of the supplies necessary for laboratory inquiries are expensive or can only be purchased at specialized stores. For this reason, many parents opt for structured curricula like the STEAM enrichment program Redmond WA.
2. Technology
As the world becomes more technologically advanced, it is important that your children are, too. One mistake many parents make is to expose children only to cell phones or tablets, rather than to computers. Making fun presentations in PowerPoint or creating a Christmas list for Santa on an Excel spreadsheet are great first steps in teaching them important job skills using technology.
3. Engineering
Allowing access to toys like Snap Circuits or Tinker Toys can help get a child’s mind thinking like an engineer. A fun movie to watch to spark interest in engineering is “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” The main character, Violet, invents many contraptions that not only delight her siblings, but also save their lives from the story’s villain.
4. Art
Because creativity is such an essential part of the scientific process, art education is recognized as an integral component of STEAM education. The good news for parents and educators is that art is easy to incorporate into almost any subject. For example, children could make leaf rubbings as part of a study of photosynthesis or design a bridge out of clay for an engineering project.
5. Math
Even if you are not a fan of advanced mathematics, you can still provide ample opportunities for your child to interact with numbers and shapes. For younger children, counting everyday objects such as fingers, toes, blocks, or pieces of cereal is a wonderful habit to establish. Pointing out shapes is another easy way to instill an appreciation of geometry. You can even introduce fractions by cutting food into halves and fourths, or by measuring ingredients as you make cookies together.