STEM education has become a popular buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. There are many careers that rely on strong science, technology, engineering, and math skills. Fostering your child’s interest in these subjects can equip them with valuable knowledge and skills while setting them up for greater success. Regardless of what they choose to do in the future, the knowledge they have gained can prove beneficial.
Support Their Curiosity
Encourage your child to ask questions. Why did that happen? Why does it work that way? What happens if you do X or Y? Get them thinking more deeply about the world around them and how it works. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers; in fact, it can be better that way! Let them research and discover the answers on their own and explain their findings to you, or research together as a fun way to bond.
Taking a trip to a museum, aquarium, zoo, or science center can also get their minds thinking in new ways. Read the signs, talk to the guides or docents, and keep a list of questions they have or topics they want to know more about. Let them lead the way and choose where they focus their time.
Do Hands-On Activities
There are plenty of things you can do right in your own home or yard. Give your child a variety of materials and supplies and let them create. See what they can come up with. If what they build doesn’t work how they want it to, encourage them to problem solve and try different solutions. If they’re interested in coding, consider signing them up for a class.
Designate one night a week as game night. There are countless board, card, and puzzle games that involve logic, critical thinking, strategizing, and problem solving. Make learning fun and get the whole family engaged.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Be a positive role model yourself. Try to avoid saying things like, “I’m not a math person,” or “That’s too hard.” Let them see you working through challenges. You can even get them to help you problem solve. Don’t have everything you need for a project? What could you use instead? Drawer won’t open/close? What do they think might be the problem? Too many things to do and not enough time? Let them help work out a schedule.
Build a Strong Foundation
Get your child more excited and interested in STEM by making it a positive experience and building a strong foundation. If science or math are classes they don’t particularly enjoy in school because they find them difficult, take steps to get them the support they need. Working with a learning specialist at Crafting Scholars can help them understand topics in a different way and learn new strategies for finding answers. The curriculum is tailored to their unique needs, goals, and learning style. By helping them gain a solid understanding of the basics, they’ll be more prepared for advanced classes in the future.
Contact Crafting Scholars today to learn more and get started!