5 Tips to Encourage STEM and Computer Science Learning at Home

STEM education combines learning science, technology, engineering, and math through actual experiences and information from books and other resources. While STEM learning remains effective even at home, students are becoming less interested. It’s never too late to use these tips to encourage STEM and Computer Science learning at home, though.

There is an ongoing need for workers to fill in STEM-related jobs and this demand is continuously growing. However, the challenge is for teachers and parents to bring back interest in these subjects. Parents can still make the tables turn and encourage their children to enjoy STEM education at home.

Provide the Right Supplies for Home Learning

STEM education focuses on learning through real-life experiences but it is not limited to just that. Children who have access to learning supplies at home will have bigger chances to learn and excel in the field. 

Parents can focus on useful learning supplies that will give long-term solutions. You can foster curiosity and research with a laptop that covers all the requirements for studying computer science. A reliable laptop is a flexible tool your children can use to gather information and communicate with teachers and fellow learners.

Allow Real-Life Tasks That Improve Learning

Some tasks at home use skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math. Gardening, basic repairs, and cooking are only some of the activities at home that make use of these fields. Participating in similar tasks hone their skills, creativity, resourcefulness, and other strengths.

For example, in cooking, children learn things about proper nutrition, fractions, and measurements, as well as how food choices impact the environment.

Share Activities with Parents and Learn Together

For children, learning is more fun when their parents also show interest in what they do. As parents, you can show this by joining them in some of their learning activities.

For instance, you can cook a new recipe together. Although a simple activity, children can learn a lot of things by being in the kitchen for a few moments. The idea also allows for healthy conversations and improved relationships.

Watching videos on lessons and reading a book are also other activities you can do with your kids.

Task Children to Teach Family Members

One goal of STEM and computer science learning is for kids to be able to apply what they have learned through actual experiences.

Tasking children to do an activity that they have learned teaches them a lot of things aside from being able to complete the task itself correctly. Children will learn the essence of responsibility, build their confidence, and also practice their decision-making skills. 

Assign children to teach their siblings to code or cook snacks for them. These are simple tasks which children would find interesting while learning at the same time.

Participate in Competitions

STEM curriculum also promotes competitions and challenges at different levels. This is a way for children to practice their knowledge as they try to discover solutions to real-life issues.

Today’s children are much more independent, confident, and competitive that challenges are a good way to encourage STEM learning at home. Children who find joy in problem-solving tasks and doing experiments will likely participate.

While their ultimate goal is to win, their eagerness is what puts their skills to the test. Unconsciously, they are learning.

Conclusion

Encouraging STEM and computer science learning at home is a challenge. However, it is still possible to bring back interest among children with a STEM-friendly environment and some challenges that are both fun and educational. Parent participation is also an essential element to encourage STEM learning at home.

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