My experience thus far as a parent is making sure that my child is ready for that “next level”. I think it’s ingrained in us from when our child is first born. They have to hit certain milestones in order to be discharged from the hospital, and every doctor appointment from then on is, “does your child do this and this?” For toddlers with short attention spans, it is so easy to set up Gracie’s Corner, Ms. Rachel or give them a game to play on the tablet. When you get a chance to get them (and yourself) away from the screens, try out something beneficial and fun. STEAM activities with toddlers is easier than it sounds and will be a nice break from YouTube . By the end of this you will know what STEAM is, the benefits, items you need plus easy projects and activities you can start now.
What is STEAM?
STEAM is the abbreviation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. STEAM learning is the integration of all the subjects in a project or activity. Instead of focusing on repetition, like traditional learning, it allows for children to think outside the box and ask questions.
Benefits of STEAM Activities With Toddlers
When you are actively involved in your child’s learning you are providing them confidence to succeed and positive attitudes towards education. STEAM learning is fun, interactive and hands-on. There are other multiple benefits especially starting at a young age such as;
- Support early math development
- Build focus and paying attention
- Encourages creativity
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration
- Remain curious and communicative
- Builds resilience through experimenting
- Encourages adaptation
Toys that encourage STEAM activities with toddlers
Having insight on the positive benefits of STEAM activities with toddlers is encouraging to get started. The great thing about STEAM is your activity can always be different. You probably have toys at home that support toddlers to think freely. Pictured below are toys that you and your child can play with together.
My favorite out of these that we have are the Alpha Pops because they allow my son to learn colors and uppercase and lowercase letters. I also like the gears building set because we can be very creative in what we build and it has sort of a domino effect. Building and tearing down is a favorite thing for my son to do, which is why the blocks and Lego’s are his favorite.
Other STEAM activities with toddlers
If you want to be super bomb.com, you might try an experiment or something more involved with your little one. Start with smaller, easier projects first. That way everyone will not be frustrated or confused in the beginning and your children will be enthusiastic to try other activities. No matter what you choose it’s best to be prepared. Here is a list of items to have on hand, you likely have most of them at home.
- Construction paper
- Markers/crayons
- Scissors
- Paint
- Paper plates
- Food coloring
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap
- Skewers
- Popsicle sticks
- Paper towel/toilet paper rolls
When thinking about STEAM activities with toddlers, you probably want as little mess as possible. These activities are going to be messy, but as long as you have a controlled environment it should not be too much. Here are a few easy STEAM projects.
- Simple volcanoes made with 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar and baking soda
- Marble art on card stock made with shaving cream and food coloring
- Building simple structures with paper towel rolls
- Cooking simple recipes like;
- Tacos
- Vegetable fried rice
- Cupcakes
- Rice cereal treats
Shows and Movies that teach toddlers STEAM learning
Of course you are not always going to be available to play and do STEAM activities with toddlers. When they’re having screen time, turn to something that will help with STEAM learning. Shows my son likes to watch are Blaze and the Monster Machine, Ada Twist Scientist, Wild Kratts, and Story Bots. Movies include The Lego Movie and Big Hero 6. Download age appropriate apps that teach skills that can be applied in real life, such as; Scratch Jr., PBS Kids, Stop Motion Studio and more. Most kids love watching YouTube videos, there are tons of channels that demonstrate STEAM projects and activities you can do at home. Parents feel good because this screen time is educational and fun.
Tips to keep STEAM learning fun
The best way for STEAM activities with toddlers to work is to think of yourself more as a leader in the activity rather than the teacher. Their personal ideas and processes are key to successful consecutive STEAM learning activities. There are probably a few activities your family already does at home that are STEAM related. Examples include, setting the table – bringing the same amount of plates, napkins, cups, utensils helps with number sense. Playing in the bath with different containers filling them a little or a lot and seeing how they sink or float helps with predictions and observation. Your toddler will enjoy these activities and soon you’ll see the benefits happening.
