Lately, everyone seems to be talking about STEAM. It has become a hot topic in the world of education and in the business community, but what does STEAM have to do with your preschooler?

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What is STEAM?

STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math. You may think some of these subjects seem lofty for young children to grasp. In some ways, that’s true. Young children may not be ready to understand multiplication or how computers work. However, they can develop a strong foundation for future learning by exploring STEAM skills and concepts through play and discussion, then applying those skills through more play.

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For young children:

• Science encourages investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.

• Technology refers to using simple tools like crayons and rulers, as well as more complex ones like microscopes and computers.

• Engineering refers to recognizing problems and testing solutions.

• Arts encourage creativity and allow children to illustrate concepts they are learning.

• Mathematics deals with numbers, but also patterns, shapes, organizational skills and much more.