STEM subjects are important because they teach children a variety of important skills that will serve them well throughout life. But what actually are STEM subjects? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, and refers to any subjects that fall into these categories. These subjects pervade every part of our lives, so that’s why they are so important for youngsters. If you’re wondering how you can explore them at home, here are some tips from an independent school in Surrey.
Talk About STEM Subjects
Try and find opportunities to incorporate STEM related topics into your conversations with your child so that it becomes more familiar and interesting to them. For instance, when you’re out for a drive you could ask them if they understand how the car works and what’s involved in making it move. If someone’s sick, talk to your child about the immune system and how the human body works to fight off infection.
Encourage Questions
Your child’s curiosity is what helps them learn, particularly when it comes to STEM subjects. With that said, try to encourage them to ask lots of questions and avoid shutting them down when they come to you. It can be quite exhausting trying to answer your child’s relentless queries, but turning them away will make them reluctant to come to you in the future, which could hinder their learning.
Enjoy Nature
Encourage your child to put down their smartphones and spend some time outdoors, as nature provides many science lessons for children. You could plant some seeds in the garden, or build a bird feeder to entice some wildlife. Take walks in the woods and ask your child to think about what might be living amongst the trees. Talk to them about the different seasons and how everything changes with the weather.
These are just a few examples to get you started, as there are lots of other ways encourage STEM learning at home. Cooking will help your child with their numeracy skills as they weigh and measure ingredients, while home experiments will support their understanding of science. Your options are truly endless.
*Collaborative post