The Top STEAM Child Day Care Center Parents Have Answered
What is STEAM in the child daycare center setting? If you've heard of this acronym, but aren't sure what it means, take a look at the top early childhood STEAM questions parents have answered.
Is STEAM Only for Older Children?
Even though STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) may seem like it includes complex or sophisticated subjects, these areas are perfect for preschoolers — provided the educator adapts the concepts to the child's developmental level. While elementary, middle, and high school students will tackle STEAM subjects, an early start (in pre-k) can help the child to build a solid foundation.
The foundation your child builds right now will carry them into the future. Not only will it give them a jump start on grade school, but they'll also develop a comfort level with STEAM subjects, improve problem-solving skills, and learn how to think critically.
What Are Daycare STEAM Activities?
Early childhood educators have an almost endless array of STEAM options for their young students to explore. Some daycares may extend one content area into another — such as a science experiment that also involves art and math. Other child care center classrooms may approach one subject at a time and keep each STEAM content area separate.
Even though specific activities vary depending on the center, its curriculum, and the individual teacher's lesson plans, examples of early childhood STEAM activities include (by subject):
- Science. Discovery or exploration-based science activities in pre-k span biology, Earth sciences, physics, and chemistry. These easy-to-follow activities may include a nature walk, cooking in the classroom, a DIY volcano (baking soda and vinegar), or a class garden.
- Technology. These activities include the use of computers and other similar types of technology in the classroom. Educational games, apps, and software can help young students to develop technical skills and learn about other content areas, such as math or reading.
- Engineering. Block building and other similar activities can help the young child to learn about engineering.
- Art. The visual arts include painting, drawing, sculpting with clay, collage, paper mache, and other crafty, creative activities.
- Math. Instead of worksheets and complex equations, pre-k teachers use math manipulatives (toys or other small items), focus on the basics, and help students to learn through hands-on methods.
A child daycare center is a place where learning happens every day. From science and technology to engineering, art, and math, STEAM is often a part of the pre-k day. Through these activities, your child can build skills that they'll use for a lifetime of learning.
If you're looking for child care, contact a daycare center, such as Carousel Of Learning Pre-School & Nursery, in your area.
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