Are you a parent who has frequently come across the term “STEM” on social media or while talking with friends and family? STEM education has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rapidly evolving world we live in. The demand for individuals with strong STEM skills is on the rise, and you may be wondering when and how to introduce your child to these essential disciplines. Look no further than Springdale Academy, a leading Montessori school in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey. We are here to tell you that the time for STEM education is now!

Introducing your child to STEM education in their early years is crucial. It enables them to learn and retain a knowledge base that they can build on as they grow older. STEM education cultivates curiosity and problem-solving skills in preschoolers. In this blog, we will explore why STEM is vital for preschoolers, how it is effectively implemented, and why Springdale Academy stands out as the top choice for parents seeking an accredited Montessori education for their young ones.

What is STEM in early childhood education?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is an approach that integrates the aforementioned subjects, individually or together, to build a child’s natural curiosity by developing their interest in them. It involves providing opportunities for children to explore and engage with these subjects through hands-on activities, play, and inquiry-based learning.

Let’s go through STEM education subject-wise in simple terms:

Science: focuses on observing and understanding the natural world. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make connections, come to conclusions, share discoveries, and wonder how things work.

Technology: focuses on using age-appropriate tools to identify and solve problems by being inventive, which in turn enhances children’s learning experiences and exposes them to skills they will need in the future.

Engineering: focuses on activities for children that involve designing, building, and problem-solving by designing, creating, and building things that work with blocks, child-friendly machines, and materials.

Math: focuses on building a strong foundation in numeracy, shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness by engaging children in counting, sorting, measuring, and exploring mathematical concepts through games and activities.

STEM in early childhood education emphasizes the integration and application of these disciplines in a holistic manner, and Montessori schools like Springfield Academy have a huge jumpstart because student engagement has always been at the forefront of our classrooms. Hand-on experiential learning has been a core part of Montessori philosophy.

Why is STEM important for preschoolers?

STEM education goes beyond teaching academic subjects; it fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills from an early age. The rationale is that children will be able to explore and naturally acquire these skills. Research has shown that children who have STEM competencies tend to have better academic outcomes and career opportunities since these skills are in demand.

Through hands-on activities, Springdale Academy nurtures the natural curiosity in children by providing them with an environment that facilitates and encourages exploration, self-discovery, and experimentation.

How does Springdale Academy implement STEM education?

At Springdale Academy, we understand that young children learn best through play and active participation, which is why our approach to STEM education revolves around interactive and engaging experiences. Preschoolers love questioning, and we encourage their curiosity by providing opportunities for inquiry-based learning. Through open-ended questions and hands-on activities, we ignite their imaginations and passions and foster a love for discovery.

As we have already mentioned before, hands-on learning is a tenet of Montessori education, which is why our students engage in age-appropriate experiments where they are encouraged to observe, hypothesize, and test their ideas, which in turn further develops their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and scientific thinking. We have also integrated STEM concepts seamlessly into our curriculum. Springdale Academy’s holistic approach is crucial to children’s understanding of the relativity between STEM and real-world applications. With the integration of technology, preschoolers at Springdale Academy are given access to age-appropriate technological tools so that they can have the correct exposure to the tools and skills needed to thrive in this digital age.

Springdale Academy educators are not only Montessori-certified and highly qualified but also deeply passionate about early childhood education. Upon enrolling your child in our preschool and daycare facilities, you will find that we empower our students to become future-ready and instill a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. From sensorial development and hands-on experiential learning to supporting each child’s unique needs, Springdale Academy guides children on a path of creativity and curiosity. Join us, and together, let’s unlock your child’s potential.