When considering problems in the world today, it is important to understand that most issues do not fit into neat boxes of a single discipline. This is why STREAM education is so important. It reflects the real world by delving into projects that practice science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math skills in ways that are naturally interconnected. This interconnection of disciplines through hands-on projects helps to engage students, getting them interested and involved in problem solving in a meaningful way. In these early years, learning foundational skills through STREAM projects can help a child’s brain structure itself in a flexible way which will be primed for innovation and critical thinking.
Encouraging Curiosity
Hands-on exploration through STREAM projects often ignites children's natural curiosity through playful wonder. As they encounter new materials and phenomena, children naturally begin to ask questions, make predictions, and seek answers. Teachers and parents should take this opportunity to guide this innate curiosity towards deeper understanding through a cycle of observation, inquiry, experimentation, manipulation, and discovery. So, if a STEAM project is about insects and a student is curious about a particular insect for example, they might ask questions about the insect. The teacher, parent, or other adult might ask them to make predictions on these questions and then ask the child to observe the insect in its natural habitat. If the question isn’t answered through observation, the adult could suggest to the child how they can engineer a habitat in which to further study the insect, or they may suggest helping the child research the insect on the internet or by visiting a library together. In this way the natural desire to learn is being nurtured, and it is easy to see how a STREAM project can be developed in support of this natural
Positive Persistence
The most authentic STREAM projects do not have single correct answers or solutions, and instead allow for various ways of arriving at completion. However, when roadblocks occur, teachers should offer plenty of opportunity to stop and try things a different way. In a supportive and safe environment, children can learn to cope with their frustration, disappointment, and uncertainty. These types of activities require a certain amount of collaboration, patience, and perseverance. In this way, STREAM projects promote a growth mindset—through practice, effort, and persistence children can improve their skills and develop new ones. When teachers and parents learn to celebrate this resilience that children show, rather than just celebrating outcomes, they can foster a culture of positive learning and growth.
Holistic Learning
If administered correctly, STREAM projects are designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a way that is meant to mirror reality. These are compelling reasons why a preschool curriculum which includes STREAM is an ideal choice for any child. Although many of us have gone through our own educational journey learning subject matter in isolated manner, (i.e. Mathematics, or Science, or Reading, etc.), it is important to recognize that life’s problems usually are solved using a combination of these disciplines. So, problem solving at an early age using methods which mirror real life is a progressive way to approach learning.
