The Top 10 Ways to Encourage STEM Learning at Home
There are many ways to promote STEM learning at home. The following methods can help you kickstart a fun learning journey for your child as they explore the world of STEM, which is essential for digital-age learners living in rapidly advancing environments!
1. Encourage hands-on activities
Encouraging hands-on activities such as building with blocks, creating simple science experiments, and solving puzzles is important for several reasons. First, these activities promote creativity and critical thinking skills in individuals of all ages. They also help improve problem-solving abilities and foster a sense of curiosity and exploration. Moreover, hands-on activities can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making them beneficial for both children and adults. Additionally, engaging in such activities can be a fun and interactive way to learn and retain information. Overall, encouraging hands-on activities can have a positive impact on cognitive development, learning, and overall well-being.
2. Introduce educational STEM toys and kits
Introducing educational STEM toys and kits that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills offers several benefits. These include fostering creativity, encouraging hands-on learning, promoting teamwork and collaboration, and preparing children for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additionally, these educational tools can help children develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts through interactive and engaging activities.
3. Explore online resources and educational apps focused on science, technology, engineering, and math.
Children should explore online resources and educational apps focused on science, technology, engineering, and math because it can help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These subjects are also important for future career opportunities in fields such as engineering, computer science, and healthcare. Additionally, interactive and engaging educational apps can make learning more enjoyable and accessible for children, encouraging their interest in STEM subjects from an early age.
4. Partake in outings to science museums, nature centers, and other places that promote interest in STEM subjects.
Families should go on outings to science museums, nature centers, and other places that promote interest in STEM subjects because these experiences can inspire and engage children in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These outings provide hands-on learning opportunities, spark curiosity, and encourage critical thinking. Additionally, they offer a chance for families to bond and learn together in a fun and interactive environment.
5. Incorporate STEM-related books and literature into daily reading routines.
Incorporating STEM-related books and literature into daily reading routines is important because it helps to foster an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an early age. It can also help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a greater understanding of the world around them. Additionally, exposure to STEM literature can inspire children to explore future career opportunities in these fields.
6. Engage in open-ended discussions about real-world applications of STEM concepts.
Engaging in open-ended discussions about real-world applications of STEM concepts with your child is important because it can help them understand how these concepts are relevant in their daily lives. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. By discussing real-world applications, you can show your child the practical side of STEM, sparking their interest and curiosity in these subjects. This approach can also help them see the potential career opportunities available in STEM fields.
7. Support participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities, clubs, or competitions.
Encouraging your child to participate in STEM-related extracurricular activities, clubs, or competitions offers numerous benefits. It provides hands-on experience, fosters teamwork, enhances problem-solving skills, and encourages creativity. Additionally, it helps students build a strong foundation in STEM subjects, exposes them to real-world applications, and provides opportunities for networking and mentorship. Overall, supporting participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities can have a positive impact on students' academic and personal development.
8. Encourage exploration of coding and computer programming through age-appropriate platforms.
Encouraging the exploration of coding and computer programming through age-appropriate platforms is important because it helps children and young adults develop essential skills for the future. By starting at a young age, individuals can gain a better understanding of technology and its applications, laying a strong foundation for potential careers in STEM fields. Additionally, learning to code promotes problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking, all of which are valuable skills in today's increasingly digital world.
9. Foster curiosity by allowing children to ask questions and seek answers through experimentation and research.
Fostering curiosity by allowing children to ask questions and seek answers through experimentation and research is important because it helps them develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning. This can be done at home by encouraging open-ended discussions, providing access to books and educational resources, conducting simple science experiments, and taking trips to museums or nature centers. Allowing children the freedom to explore and discover at their own pace can also help nurture their natural curiosity.
10. Model a positive attitude towards STEM subjects and demonstrate how they are relevant in everyday life.
It is important to model a positive attitude towards STEM subjects and demonstrate how they are relevant in everyday life because it helps to inspire and encourage others, especially young people, to pursue careers and interests in STEM fields. By showing the practical applications of STEM in everyday life, we can help people understand the importance and relevance of these subjects, and inspire them to explore STEM-related opportunities. This can lead to a greater interest in scientific discovery, technological innovation, and problem-solving, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
These strategies can help create a stimulating environment that promotes a love for learning and exploration in STEM fields. As parents and educators, we have the power to unleash the STEM potential in our future STEM leaders of the world!
Cherie has been teaching for 15 years and holds two college degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Technology. Cherie was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and moved to Los Angeles, CA after college to pursue a career in the educational field. There she has gained a passion for STEM education working as a STEM teacher at Cowan Avenue Elementary School. She currently holds a Restorative Justice Advisor position with the Black Student Achievement Plan initiative at a school in Los Angeles
Cheris is the author of “MY STEM Brain.” Purchase her book. You can also reach out to her through her email - itechlilleaders@gmail.com