From birth, children are curious. You can build on that natural curiosity by developing their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). At Sakalya Prep, we use daily routines to build on skills and concepts in math and science. For our little ones, we focus on STEM through exploration, play, and building curiosity about the natural world and the way things work. STEM learning is important for everyone and can happen anytime, anywhere. The real life skills that people develop when learning STEM help make everyone better problem solvers and learners. At Sakalya Prep we make STEM part of children’s intentional play activities.
Fourth in the series, Sakalya Prep is sharing tips with parents to build early science, technology, engineering, and math skills in young children every day at home till the time schools reopen. It’s never too early to start!
You can do it!
Co- discover - STEM is about discovery. Be co-discoverers with your child! Remember what it was like when you were younger (or even now) to look at the world with wonder and awe – that’s what children need to be encouraged to do. It’s helpful for adults to remember how amazing the world can be and make time to explore it too!
Math Concept - Use math concepts to talk with children. Point out the rectangular side of a truck and the circle- or triangle-shaped sign as you wait at the bus stop or walk down the street.
Counting addition and subtraction - You can lay the foundation for addition and subtraction by counting with children using everyday objects and throughout the day. Point out how to add by combining objects and subtract by removing objects.
Ask open-ended questions - Ask children to wonder about the world around them using phrases like “What would happen if… “Or “I wonder…? “I wonder why the leaves are turning yellow and brown.”
Follow the child’s lead - Observe children closely and see what they are looking at, pointing to or seem curious about. STEM is about exploration.
Measurement - Encourage preschoolers to compare objects by size, weight, length, and other attributes. Ask them to order a set of objects by size (smallest to largest) or by length (shortest to longest).
Spatial Relationship - You can help children develop spatial relationship skills and positions like on top of and under, and direction and movement—following and predicting the path of a moving object, like a rolling ball for example. Have children play with puzzles. Ask questions that direct their focus, such as “Should that piece go at the bottom? The corner? To the right?”
Shapes - Talk with children about the names of shapes and what makes them different. Use every opportunity to identify shapes. At snack time or when out walking, have children identify shapes. Ask, “What shape is that door?” or “What shape is that sign?”
Earth, Physical, And Life Sciences - Children are naturally inquisitive and try to make sense of the world – like scientists. It’s never too early to start practicing basic science skills like observation, prediction, and using evidence to support answers. Join your preschoolers in discovering the world! Observing is important in science. Have students draw interesting objects they observe and to describe what they see.
Observation - Look at the world around us! Observing is important in science. Communicate throughout the day about what you see, feel, smell, taste or hear and ask students to describe the world as they observe it.
Plants and Animals - Discuss different types of animals and plants with students and ask them to share about the plants and animals they know about. Talk with children about habitats of the animals and plants: where they live, what they eat, what they need to stay alive and the impact they have on the world.
Engineering Skills And Concepts - Children can explore early engineering skills through building models, trying out new ideas, and designing structures Introduce engineering to your children by giving them loose materials such as cardboard, tubes, string, fabric and tape to build, create and problem-solve together . Have them test out their idea. Depending upon the results, you may want to have students redesign and rebuild their creation. Redesign is an important piece of engineering.
Technology - Explore technology with children by observing and using simple tools and machines you find around you. For example, using toys, ask children to sort objects by those that have wheels and those that do not.
Programming - Have children dictate or draw step by step directions on how to do a task. This is a foundation of programming.
At Sakalya Prep, trained preschool educators introduce these concepts in a well organised child friendly way. However, with the given tips we are sure that parents would be able to do their bit while our little ones are waiting to get back to School. Learn along with children! You don’t have to have all the right answers to help children learn about STEM. You can respond by saying, “That’s a great question. How could we find out together?” So, let’s talk sing and read about STEM at home.
About the author: Lt Col Bincy K Thomas (Retd) is the Co-founder and Director of Sakalya Wisdom Foundation, an organisation committed to design and offer meaningful educational services and activities. She is the Director of Sakalya Prep, The Holistic Preschool, Whitefield Bangalore. She is the Trainer and Pedagogy Expert in Sakalya Centre for Professional Development, training Centre for Teachers Professional Development, School Leaders Development Programs and Parenting Programs. She is researching into creating a dynamic holistic early childhood pedagogy. Presently She is pursuing Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA. Other areas of her interests are world mythologies, philosophy, social, emotional and spiritual development, leadership, gardening etc.
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