Here are some ways that you help your child develop STEM skills at a young age:
- Provide manipulative toys and help/ask your child to control it
For example, making a rattle quiet or loud / building a short or tall tower - Explore together how simple tools in your house work
For example, a can opener / door knob or hinge - Allow for repetitive play
For example, yes, let that toy drop over and over because that’s gravity! - Engage in different kinds of play
For example, pretend play, exploratory play, guided play, and free play - Ask questions
For example, “Why do you think that happened?” or “How does this work?” - Use the correct vocabulary
For example, a tower they built can be fragile or stable - Reinforce stick-to-it-ness
For example, encourage your child to keep trying by saying “I can’t do this yet”
Adapted from Eight Ways to introduce kids to STEM at an early age
https://hechingerreport.org/eight-ways-introduce-young-kids-stem-early-age/
