Spring Into STEAM: The Power of STEAM Education

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the term STEM, representing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In recent years, a new term has emerged in the education world - STEAM, with the "A" standing for arts. But why incorporate the arts? By integrating arts into STEM, we can help young learners cultivate creativity and enhance their problem-solving abilities, which is a core skill in STEM/STEAM education. 

According to the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning, "STEAM learning begins early. But STEAM isn’t about showing an infant or toddler flashcards or teaching equations. It is the hands-on things that children do everyday. STEAM learning includes examining shapes, building forts from cardboard boxes, playing “grocery store,” pouring liquids and other materials, filling and emptying containers of different sizes, and mixing paints to create new colors. And these are only a few examples. Many of children’s everyday activities use STEAM skills, even if we don’t typically think of them in that way."

When you read books with your little ones, you're not just introducing them to shapes, colors, letters, and patterns. You're also helping them make real-world connections and create personal experiences. These shared reading moments can open their eyes to new possibilities, sparking their curiosity and igniting their imagination. By incorporating STEAM vocabulary and concepts during storytime, you can start meaningful conversations about the world, fueling their interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Encouraging them to ask questions and think critically while reading aloud will further enrich their learning journey, making connections between the story and their own lives. Help to nurture their problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of the content by encouraging them to predict what might happen next in the story you're reading together. Adding STEAM elements to your shared reading experiences not only makes learning enjoyable and interactive but also helps children develop crucial skills that will benefit them in the long run. So, the next time you grab a book to read with your child, think about how you can incorporate STEAM concepts to create a vibrant and immersive learning experience.

Join us every Wednesday throughout April as we showcase our top picks for STEAM titles on our social media platforms! Don't miss out on the fun and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out some of the titles that may be featured below: