When it comes to choosing the right education for your child, options can seem endless. From Montessori and Waldorf to public and private schools, the choices can easily be overwhelming. With so many new buzzwords popping up, it can be hard to keep pace with shifting trends in education. One such term that has been gaining in popularity is STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
At The Step by Step School in Hoboken, we identify and inspire the amazing potential children have for learning. Our programs offer nurturing, engaging care for children as young as six weeks and older. In this article, we’ll explore what STEM education is and why it’s important for young children.
What is STEM Education?
STEM education refers to a holistic approach to learning that seeks to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a comprehensive curriculum. By combining these fields, children learn to think strategically, analyze problems, reflect, and improve on their efforts over time. Children also develop the creative spark they need to think outside the box, assume responsibility, and take innovative risks. Moreover, STEM education emphasizes the application of these disciplines in the real world, allowing young learners to see how their hard work can have a meaningful, lasting impact on society.
Why is STEM Education Important for Young Children?
Research has demonstrated that when children are taught STEM subjects in their early years, they naturally develop confidence, an innate curiosity, and an enthusiasm for exploring challenging concepts. Children are encouraged to take on risks and solve complex problems while working in groups, helping students develop strong interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills. In addition, STEM education is important for overall brain development. In a study on early brain development, researchers found that focusing on scientific thinking and logic can develop children’s prefrontal cortex, leading to a higher IQ and greater stress resilience.
Furthermore, providing children with a strong STEM foundation can help prepare them for high-paying and rewarding careers in a rapidly changing technological world. It can also help to prepare today’s students to address the complex problems that will face in the future. By introducing STEM education to children at a young age, they are better equipped to adapt, innovate and succeed in any career or life circumstance they encounter.
How Does The Step by Step School Incorporate STEM Education?
At The Step by Step School, we understand the value of providing specialized education to young children. Our programs are designed to help children develop a love of learning at an early age by making educational experiences fun and interactive. We incorporate STEM education into our curriculum in several ways. From introducing concepts through creative projects and hands-on activities to conceptualizing real-world problems with our older students, the Step by Step School believes in the importance of integrating STEM education wherever possible.
We bring our “step-by-step” approach to learning within our learning center, allowing children to learn new concepts by building on previous lessons. Our teachers strive to make every STEM lesson engaging and interactive, bringing the concepts to life. We always aim to ensure that STEM lessons remain relevant to our students, so we incorporate common scenarios that allow our students to see the connection of STEM in our everyday lives.
The Future of STEM Education
STEM education is a rapidly evolving field, and its relevance will only increase as technology and innovation continue to shape the world around us. The job market is quickly moving toward more technology-based opportunities, which will require a background in STEM subjects. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs in STEM fields will increase by eight percent in the decade between 2019 and 2029, showing the importance of a solid STEM foundation in today’s world.
In an ever-changing workforce, STEM education stands out in bridging skill gaps and aligning students with new jobs. A study by the Brookings Institution, highlights the demand for skilled STEM workers, identifying over 14 million projected job openings within the STEM field by 2023. Stem skills will indeed be the driving force behind innovation and progress in our economy and society in the future, and students who are well-versed in these areas will have distinct advantages in securing meaningful and stable employment.
The Step by Step School in Hoboken is a leader in early childhood education and is committed to providing students with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes STEM subjects. STEM education is vital to developing the skills needed to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow. It also enhances a student’s ability to collaborate with others, develop communication skills, and work productively as part of a team. We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality and engaging educational platform that allows students to explore scientific concepts, develop ingenuity, and thrive in a highly competitive job market. Contact us today to learn more about our unique STEM education program and how we can help your child achieve their full potential.