Add STEAM To Your Child’s Learning
When it comes to arming children with effective creativity and critical thinking skills, the normal Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is not enough. Children need a focus to develop a creative mindset, this is why STE(A)M education becomes crucial. The process creates more opportunities to be successful in the real world, in real life and in real-time.
The A in STEAM — art — brings in personal expression, empathy, meaning-making and a purpose to what children are learning. It begins to prepare children for the future by laying the foundation for acquiring the 21st century skills they will need to play an effective role in the workforce of the future.
By focusing on arts and integrating all five disciplines in creative ways, will help children grow up more well-rounded. The idea is to teach children that they don’t have to be only analytical or only creative — they can be both.
STEAM shows children how they can use both skills to solve almost any problem they face. Preparing children for life, regardless of the profession they choose to follow. Instilling and nurturing the capability to adapt to a constantly evolving and fast-paced world they are growing up in.
21st Century skill sets
STEAM sparks learning through hands-on activities and brings the freedom of creativity to play an active role in opening up the usually logic driven hard science fields. Remember, some of the most amazing discoveries and innovations that happen in the world come from individuals who stepped outside of the box so that they could think creatively.
When taught correctly, STEAM subjects teach children how to solve problems — skills that can be used throughout life to help them get through tough times and take advantage of opportunities whenever they appear.
Another important aspect of the STEAM approach is that children aren’t taught just the subject matter, they’re taught how to ask questions, how to be innovative and how to create. Rest assured, STEAM education will enhance your child’s personal development like nothing else can.
Thinking independently
STEAM education is not about hand-holding and learning by rote. Children are given the freedom to think, evaluate, and determine how best to achieve their goals and complete projects. The focus is not on results but on the way they learn to think while completing their projects.
The learning environment is non-judgemental, is risk free, and making mistakes is okay. The idea that mistakes are often the best teachers is both encouraged and reinforced. Children are also given the choice to learn at their own pace and skill level.
They can decide to spend more time and focus at the fundamental beginners level or challenge themselves by choosing to work with complex concepts. The environment ensures that ideas flow
and are discussed freely with one and another. Children are not held back but actively supported to develop their intellectual capacities on their own.
Mix and match
No subject is given more importance. and all subjects are presented in relationship with one another. STEAM education is driven by a cross-disciplinary emphasis, exposing children to multiple, and lateral ways of thinking.
This approach enables children to view the unique advantages of each discipline. It tells them that they’re not limited to one particular subject, or must choose between a technical or artistic topic.
The reason for this is simple. Expertise is gained by having an equal understanding of all the subjects. STEAM is a truly well-rounded program that appeals to a child’s evolving curiosity and range of interests.
Project driven learning
A central premise of STEAM education is hands-on, project-based learning. This approach enables children to discover and experiment with various methods.
The addition of Art is to help make complex science and maths subjects approachable and less frightening. All projects are evaluated on a subjective basis that values creativity, rather than on a right or wrong answer.
This method supports the child’s educational journey and promotes creative expression and not rote learning.
Master creative problem-solving skills
Think-outside-the-box problem-solving is one of the most sought-after skills within the job market. Creativity might seem like a natural skill, but in reality it is something that can be fostered by a well-rounded STEAM education.
Inspiring open-ended, creative exploration serves as a form of productive play and learning process. There are no rigid rules to follow. And children are encouraged to demonstrate their thinking around the problem capability. There are no fixed procedures, allowing children to assess a large set of details and realize that problem-solving models can be flexible.
Opening up the world for girls
Science and math are seen as being more suitable to males, and many girls are discouraged from an early age. STEAM education however thinks otherwise and believes that this has nothing to do with aptitude.
STEAM levels the playing field by encouraging girls to pursue their interest in these subjects right from their elementary school years. Developing a keen interest in these subjects promotes working memory, improves attention, and increases other basic cognitive skills. And Building their confidence levels in a natural way.
About Abrakadoodle and STEAM
Research has proven beyond doubt that Art and being creative nurtures the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children. And getting them involved in creative, science- and maths-based learning can kindle a deeper interest in these subjects.
Abrakadoodle believes that the earlier children begin to learn through a STEAM framework, the quicker they can develop key creative and critical thinking skills. So don’t wait for a regular school to introduce your child to STEAM subjects, make it a point to help them make a healthy start at Abrakadoodle.
Remember, through a well-balanced combination of enrichment programs, cognitive skills development, and creative art classes, Abrakadoodle makes art, maths and sciences exciting, engaging and fun to learn through play.
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