Imagine playing with your child in the backyard. You’re observing them gardening, pouring water into a delicate growing plant. Or they’re stacking blocks, counting how many they need to connect to the other line.
Whether it’s an outdoor activity or a play session indoors, children can show a clear readiness to engage STEM concepts. These stand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Moreover, exposure to STEM during early childhood can help establish an optimal educational trajectory, according to the National Science and Technology Council. The Committee on STEM Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children also support this idea.
In 2016 researchers established the DREME Network, which stands for Development and Research in Early Math Education. This is an example of a highly qualified early education STEM initiative. This initiative is part of a growing knowledge of the benefits of STEM education.
Schools often lack resources, and capacity to focus on early STEM learning in appropriate ways. But, advancing American students in the fields of mathematics and science is now a federal priority. And more U.S. schools are now implementing STEM learning into their curriculum.
Keep reading below to learn why it’s important to incorporate STEM education in early childhood development.
The Benefits of STEM Education
Encourages knowledge application- Through STEM education, young students are taught skills that they can use every day. This is a motivator for them to continue learning. The ability to apply their knowledge to new and exciting tasks will prepare them when they enter the professional fields.
Teaches problem-solving- STEM education teaches students how to solve problems by using their critical thinking skills. You could even begin coaching them in the same problem-solving techniques engineers use. If you simplify the engineering design process, for example, when children encounter a problem encourage them to:
- Think about it
- Try it
- Fix it
- Share it
This problem-solving framework can be found in the pages of a book titled, “Engaging Young Engineers,” published in 2016.
Encourages the use of technology- Above all else, STEM education encourages students to understand the mechanisms of technology and innovation. When students encounter new technologies, it won’t be a setback. They will embrace them, instead of being hesitant or fearful.
Apps developed for education like Thinkster Math is an example of a gradual adaptation of education and technology that children can take advantage of when sitting down to study with a parent.
Sowing The Seeds of Growth
Research has demonstrated that when young children enter school, they have substantial knowledge of the world. They can also think concretely and abstractly, they are eager, curious and ready to learn. Strengthening these young students’ abilities can be imperative for their professional future.
STEM jobs are projected to be increasingly in demand, so reading about the benefits of STEM education can help you introduce them to your children and even the school community.
Ultimately, these tools and programs equip children with the skills for success in tomorrow’s workforce.
Interested in learning more about STEM education or the benefits of applying its concepts to your daily life? Visit our blog and read this article about developing an interest in mathematics once again.
Happy learning!
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.
