In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips for how parents can help get their kids interested in STEM subjects and related school programs. STEM concepts are some of the most important for any child when it comes to their long-term success, and finding ways to get them interested and engaged in these topics is very important for both parents and educators.
At Beehive Science & Technology Academy, we proudly offer the top STEM program in Utah for children of varying ages – and we regularly discuss themes like improving child interest in these subjects with parents. While part one of our series went over concepts like emphasizing STEM skills in daily life and identifying STEM role models, today’s part two will look into some additional themes to consider here.
Find Natural Opportunities for Real-Life STEM Learning
There are tons of ways that, within a child’s daily life, they can be exposed to STEM skills and principles. Take the time to identify these situations and then actively steer your child towards them, to expand their natural understanding of the world around them and related concepts.
For instance, when cooking together, you may explain some basic chemistry concepts or when shopping for groceries, you can talk about mathematical equations like measurements and the difference between fractions, decimals and percentages. Activities like these are easy to incorporate and can even be fun for the whole family – making them all the more worthwhile to pursue.
Encourage Exploration & Experimentation
Even better than simply presenting STEM topics in real-life situations is actively encouraging exploration and experimentation by your child. This is especially important for younger ages, when curiosity is at its highest and their minds are the most open to absorbing new information.
Let them experiment with different concepts in a safe environment – with items you already have around the house like baking soda, plastic food containers and other simple materials. This can help them develop thinking skills and learn better problem-solving tactics in the process, further expanding their understanding of these topics.
It’s also important to remember that part of this exploration process is making mistakes and learning from them – so don’t be too hard on your child if they have difficulty with a certain concept right away. Embrace this as an opportunity for them to grow, and you’ll be helping to foster their development with these topics in the process.
There are many ways that parents can help get their kids interested in STEM subjects and related school programs. Identifying natural opportunities for real-life learning, encouraging exploration and experimentation, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process are just a few of the methods that can help foster their development in this area.
At Beehive Science & Technology Academy, we’re proud to offer the top STEM program in Utah and are always looking for ways to improve our students’ experience with these topics. If you’re interested in learning more about our school or enrolling your child in one of our courses, please get in touch with our caring staff today!
