What Is STEAM and Why Is It Important for Your Child?
As you tour preschools or childcare centers, you’re likely to see activities and curricula focused on STEAM. In fact, this focus will continue into grade school, high school, college, and the real world. So, what is STEAM, and why is it so important?
What is STEAM?
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math – all of which are important lifelong skills to start developing in early childhood. Not only does STEAM create a basic framework to think critically, but it also fosters the development of creativity and problem-solving skills. As children participate in STEAM activities, they gain exposure to five critical learning areas, allowing them to explore the world around them.
What’s the Difference Between STEM and STEAM?
You may also be familiar with the term STEM, which is essentially the same learning framework without the “arts”. In recent years, many schools have evolved their STEM programs into STEAM, including more art-based learning in education. Art brings a new level of creativity into STEAM and can include anything from painting to music, photography, theater, or even storytelling.
Why is STEAM Important in Early Childhood Education?
There are many reasons why it’s important for children to start learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math from an early age.
Development
Incorporating STEAM into learning is great for a child’s development. Children are able to enhance cognitive development as they learn new concepts and explore new ways of thinking. Children can strengthen language development as they learn new words and talk about new ideas. Children can also build fine motor skills as they engage in hands-on STEAM activities.
Confidence
STEAM activities also help children build confidence as they problem-solve and unleash their creativity. As children discover that they can investigate the world around them on their own, they gain a sense of independence and develop a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Exploration
Having a well-rounded education in STEAM also allows children to explore different interests and find their strengths. As natural explorers, children thrive in STEAM activities that ignite their curiosity and fuel their passions.
Career Readiness
Having familiarity with STEAM concepts from an early age helps prepare children to succeed in future careers.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, children who grow up with STEAM in their early education make an average annual wage of $86,980. Children who did not have any experience with STEAM make an average annual wage of $39,810.
Whether you are a teacher, accountant, doctor, architect, or photographer, almost all jobs will incorporate STEAM in some way. Having early exposure to STEAM equips children with many of the skills they need to succeed!
STEAM at New Horizon Academy
At New Horizon Academy, your child will engage in a variety of STEAM activities each and every day. From our infant program all the way up to our school-age program, our teachers incorporate age-appropriate activities that incorporate STEAM concepts, allowing children to explore and investigate the world around them.
Looking for fun ways to incorporate STEAM learning at home? Explore a variety of kid-friendly STEAM activities for kids of all ages in our Family Resource Library!
New Horizon Academy is a nationally accredited preschool and early learning center with 100+ schools in Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, and Kansas. Through research-based curriculum surrounding STEAM, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness, our schools nurture and prepare children to succeed in school and life.
Schedule a tour to learn more about our highly trained teachers, safe and secure facilities, award-winning curriculum, and commitment to providing the highest quality care. Contact a New Horizon Academy preschool and early learning center near you today!
