Preschool education plays an important role in forming the foundation for the comprehensive development of young children. Therefore, methods of educating children at this age need to be given great attention. Currently, STEAM education method for preschool children is becoming a trend that many educators are interested in. So what is STEAM and what benefits does it bring to preschool children? This article will help you better understand this topic.
Concepts and benefits of STEAM for preschool children
STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths, is an educational approach that integrates the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Different from traditional teaching methods, STEAM focuses on learning through practice and experience.
Currently, many schools have applied STEAM to teaching methods and achieved many good results. Children can study and practice in parallel without limiting their creativity and problem-solving ability. Not only that, children also develop teamwork skills much more effectively because they have to cooperate with each other to find solutions, the teacher only plays a guiding role, not the one who gives the child the answer. like traditional learning methods.
Benefits of STEAM method for preschool children
The search method brings many practical benefits to children. Below are some typical advantages of this method
Develop Logical Thinking and Creativity
In STEAM education, children are encouraged to think independently and find ways to solve complex problems through real-life activities. For example, when children participate in a simple science experiment such as observing seed germination, they not only learn about the growth process of plants but also think about influencing factors such as light, water and land.
Encourage Problem Solving Skills
One of the strengths of STEAM education for preschool children is that it encourages children to learn how to ask questions, experiment and find solutions through small projects and experiments. Children will pose problems themselves and then solve them together. Typically, when you need to build a bridge out of ice cream sticks, your child will have to think about how to make the bridge able to withstand the weight, as well as how to assemble it most securely. Children will try many options, face failure, and learn how to improve their designs. This process helps children develop problem-solving skills by learning from mistakes and persistently finding optimal solutions.
Create a Foundation for Collaboration and Communication Skills
In STEAM activities for preschool children, group work is an indispensable element. When participating in any group activity, children can share their ideas, learn how to persuade others and complete tasks together. For example, when assembling a miniature city from LEGO, each child will take on a different part such as designing houses, parks or traffic. This process not only helps children better understand the role of each member in the group but also trains communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Arousing Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn
STEAM for preschool children focuses on stimulating children's natural curiosity. The teacher will play the role of suggestion and not directly give the answer. Children will gradually understand that they can perform an experiment in many different ways, which encourages their curiosity even more, making them always eager to learn and explore the world around them.
How to Implement STEAM in Early Childhood Education
To apply STEAM to preschool children and help them learn more easily, there are two ways.
While having fun
Learning to stream while having fun is an extremely effective method. You can apply it through the game Sink or Float.
Prepare:
- Pebbles, leaves, paper, sponge, flowers, modeling clay ... anything that's compact in size.
- A small basin of water.
Doing:
First, you ask questions about what your child will do with objects and water pots to help them think in many directions. Then, have your child drop the objects into the pot. You will ask your child to record which objects can float on the water and which objects can sink under the water. Finally, you ask the question why the object floats and sinks and ask your child to explain. This difficult question about volume will help children expand their thinking more and also know why they should not play in ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams.
STEAM for preschool children through small projects
Children from 4 to 5 years old have a very high need to explore the world and express themselves, so it will be extremely effective if parents let their children participate in small projects.
Growing their own plants: children will have the opportunity to research the plant varieties they want as well as the appropriate process of sowing seeds, watering, and giving plants sunlight to help them grow best. After planting a tree, parents can support their children in continuing with new tree varieties so they can build their own small garden.
Painting and making crafts from recycled materials: This cave will stimulate your child's creativity in an extremely effective way. Moreover, it also trains children to be aware of protecting the environment, protecting a clean and beautiful green earth.
Construction games: Using LEGO blocks to create buildings or innovative means of transportation is also an effective way to learn STEAM for preschool children, there is even a competition for this activity.
STEAM education for preschool children not only brings benefits in terms of thinking and skills but also arouses a passion for learning in children. Incorporating STEAM into the preschool education program is an important preparation step for children's comprehensive development.
