Getting our children into STEM activities
At Step Ahead, we understand the importance and value of STEM activities to help prepare our children for skills they will need throughout life. It also encourages their naturally curious and inquisitive minds. It’s easier than you think to integrate STEM learning at Step Ahead, and in your home, too!
What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It’s about combining these subjects together so children are able to apply elements of each subject and learn in different ways.
Why is STEM important?
STEM can help to teach your child problem solving skills, innovative and creative thinking, and digital skills. Recent research underlines the importance of early STEM skills and knowledge for children as it focuses on concepts that can be found in real world situations.
What does this look like at Step Ahead?
Engaging your children in STEM activities is easier than you think. We’ve integrated STEM learning through hands-on experiences to start your child thinking through a lens of science and maths, without them even knowing it!
We build on children’s interests and if they are curious about something, we will draw on this and explore it further. With our Step Ahead tamariki, we go on nature walks, cook together, build with blocks and play with water to introduce them to the interesting and exciting world of STEM. Children love to experiment, combine new substances, build, knock down, collect, sort, and have fun while learning.
We’ve noticed that when engaged in activities that support STEM learning, our Step Ahead children remain curious, focused, communicative and active for over 45 minutes (or sometimes even longer!) And best of all it’s fun!
How can I get my child involved in STEM from home?
There are multiple resources out there to get you started with STEM activities at home that are both simple and fun. Remember, go with what your child is naturally curious about, and try to find activities that can help expand their thinking.
Try these at home: