We hear everywhere how important it is to introduce our kids to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), but how? And when? It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Get great tips from experts and parents just like you about easy ways to expose your little ones to activities that encourage STEAM experiences in age-approriate and easy ways.
Encourage curiosity
"Our children come into this world as little scientists. They want to understand how things work. Join in their experimentation if you can. Reframe what looks like negative behavior into a research mindset. Set up situations where they can pour things, twist things, drop things, taste things. Engage with them in the natural world, stop to smell the dandelions, wonder about the clouds and the stars. Never be afraid to say, 'I don’t know why that is — let’s figure it out!'"
— Mellissa, Ph.D. STEM researcher, and mom of three
Expose them to artistic experiences
"Specifically speaking on the A in STEAM, the best two things a mom can do to develop the artistic side of the brain is to role model a love of the arts and provide exposure to artist experiences. For example, mom can play classical music when driving in the car and take toddlers to age-appropriate, interactive music classes."
— Neisha Hernandez, artist, educator, author, entrepreneur, and mom of four
Use the world around you
"Real-world experiences are vital. Take them out of the house, away from preschool, and show them things like wind turbines and construction equipment. Answer all their questions and get them excited about learning how these modern marvels work."
— Amelia Kibbie, teacher, author, and mother of one
Find STEAM in everyday activities
"Let them live life with you! If you're in the kitchen, pull up a chair and introduce them to the chemistry of cooking. If you're fixing the lawnmower, get them involved (with safety in mind, of course). Take them to children's theater. Listen to classical music together. Switch part of your budget over to cash, so they can see money in action. All these little things add up to rich, STEAM-driven opportunities."
— Gretchen Bossio, blogger and mom of four
Remember that nature is science
"We love to take our kids outside and watch them explore nature. It seems like an easy thing so we forget that it's science! Our kids have always really loved art, too, so having a fully stocked art cabinet and allowing creative time for them has been helpful in cultivating that side of their learning."
— Dana Hewitt, mom of four
You're probably already doing one of these
"Discovery, observations, experimentation, and sensory hands-on activities. Sand and water play, cooking, magnets, neighborhood and nature walks, blocks for building, ramps, pulleys, sorting, classifying, process art with a variety of materials."
— Christine Kyriakakos Martin, author of You've Got This! Keys To Effective Parenting for the Early Years, early education consultant, mom of three, and grandmother of two
