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Going Beyond What and Exploring Why!
STEAM education is an exciting and effective way to introduce young children to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. By exploring the principles behind these subjects, children can develop their cognitive abilities and build essential skills for future academic and professional success. However, to truly maximize the benefits of STEAM education, it's essential to go beyond just teaching children the "what" and delve into the "why" behind each subject.
Here are some reasons why exploring the "why" is crucial in preschool STEAM education:
1. Promotes deeper understanding
While teaching children about the basics of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics is essential, it's also important to help them understand why these subjects are relevant and essential. By exploring the "why," children can gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles behind each subject. They can also learn how these subjects can apply to their lives and the world around them.
For example, when we learn about the bees, instead of just the characteristics and how they make honey, we explain the importance of them in our ecosystem, their role in pollination and how we and the other living things rely on them.
2. Encourages critical thinking
Exploring the "why" behind each subject can help children develop critical thinking skills. When children understand why things work the way they do, they are more likely to ask questions and make connections between different concepts. They can also start to think about how they can apply their knowledge to real-world problems and situations.
For example, instead of just teaching children how to build a simple structure with blocks or LEGO, we encourage them to think about why the structure needs to be sturdy and how it can be improved to withstand different weather conditions.
3. Fosters creativity
By exploring the "why" behind STEAM subjects, children can develop their creativity. When children understand the principles behind each subject, they can start to think creatively about how they can apply their knowledge to solve problems and create something new. This can help them develop their artistic skills, as well as their ability to think outside the box.
For example, when we learn about circuits, instead of just showing them how to make a basic circuit to light up a bulb, we encourage them to think of different ways or create a more complex circuit that can power different devices or create different effects.
4. Builds a lifelong love for learning
Finally, exploring the "why" behind STEAM subjects can help children develop a lifelong love for learning. When children understand the relevance and importance of each subject, they are more likely to stay engaged and interested in learning more. This can help them build a strong foundation for future academic success and lifelong learning.
Besides introducing young children to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics as individual subjects of learning, we want to go beyond just teaching children the "what" and delve into the "why" behind each subject to optimize learning for children through STEAM education! By promoting a deeper understanding, encouraging critical thinking, fostering creativity, and building a lifelong love for learning, we can help children develop essential skills and a strong foundation for future academic success.