Researchers and educators agree that literacy experiences from an early age are beneficial for children’s language and cognitive development. Fostering literacy skills for children has been made possible due to the abundant information found primarily online. The rapid changes in the workplace mean that STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and math) skills are more demanded.
Below are tips to encourage children to develop a passion for learning STEM skills.
Let Them Experiment
If the children require to experiment, parents should let them. It might include undertaking a science project at home or trying new models by utilizing blocks to build a plane. STEM learning is an inspiration to kids, and even if the guardian may understand that some experiments may not work, it is worthwhile to make them try. Encourage the kids to ask why something does not work and ways to find a solution.
Encourage Children to Notice Things
Notice things such as new buds on plants, how things flow with the wind, and seasonal changes. Children are considered to be more observant compared to adults. Use language associated with observations, such as observing and noticing, to share observations with kids. Observation is an effective fundamental scientific process and facilitates the gathering of data and the formation of hypotheses. With practice, children can notice detailed scientific features.
Do Not Forget to Take It Outdoors
The learning process for STEM does not necessarily take place indoors. Explore the natural world to cultivate the required skills. Plan some time to participate in a scavenger hunt or search for wildlife, as green spaces are linked to improved productivity, creativity, and mental well-being.
Provide Opportunities for Creative Play
STEM involves logical and creative thinking to solve problems. Provide some tools, including toys, to help the children unleash their creativity and engage with their imagination. It can be in the form of coloring pens, a box, and a challenge to create something. Building blocks encourages creative play, allowing children to try new things and solve problems.
Encourage Their Natural Curiosity
Children always ask questions and are naturally curious to know how things work. Encouraging them is essential to tackling problems and improving their cognitive skills. Kids will always ask why things work in a certain way, and parents should take time to handle such questions to quench their curiosity. Guardians are advised to admit if they do not know the answer to some questions and may research online from a Bentham Science website or watch a TV show with the children to learn new skills.
Discover STEM TV Shows and Videos Together
The popularity of STEM learning has been made possible by online platforms and TV shows that provide hands-on experience. It offers a creative way to learn ideas for various activities they can pursue themselves. Utilize short videos and resources like Bentham Open journals to explore problems and keep the kids engaged.
Adults are advised to encourage children to develop an interest in STEM skills and understand the world around them. Parents may help children be confident and capable STEM learners from an early age.
