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STEM and STEAM for Toddlers

STEM and STEAM for Toddlers

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If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed how our toddlers can turn anything (and I mean anything!) into a toy. Whether pots and pans from the kitchen serve as a drum set or the cardboard box you were about to recycle becomes a makeshift fort, their imagination knows no bounds. This curiosity and inventiveness make introducing them to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and STEAM (which adds the Arts to the mix) concepts so exciting and essential. Let’s look into National STEM/STEAM Day for toddlers!


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National STEM/STEAM Day for toddlers is observed every year on November 8th, chosen because the date resembles an infinity symbol, symbolizing the limitless possibilities of STEM and STEAM. This day encourages kids to explore and pursue science, technology, engineering, art, and math interests. STEM education has gained importance in our technology-driven world, and adding the Arts to STEM promotes creative thinking and innovation. STEM/STEAM toys encourage infants and newborns to explore these areas through fun and educational activities, aiming to develop STEM skills in young children for a well-educated workforce and a knowledge-based economy.


Young toddlers recognize familiar characters and words from their daily environments. Toys for this age should engage their senses with various sounds, lights, and movements, catering to their enjoyment of diverse actions like pressing, rolling, and pounding. Toys should encourage imagination through costumes, dolls, and small vehicles. For older toddlers, wooden blocks and nesting blocks are suitable as their gross motor skills develop, allowing them to walk and climb. Push-and-pull toys and ride-ons are also recommended to support their mobility and physical development. Discover more about development for 12 through 18 Month Toddlers.

Toddlers between nineteen and twenty-three months can play with simple mechanisms such as magnets, large hooks, hooking loops, or touch fasteners. They enjoy toys that cause actions or sounds when they push buttons or pull cords. These children can also match angles with shape-sorting containers and rotate objects to fit them into matching holes. Discover more about development for 19 through 23 Month Toddlers.

Older toddlers aged 24 to 35 months are developing their motor skills; they can handle simple tasks like manipulating large hooks, buttons, or buckles, though smaller buttons may still be challenging. They are active, enjoying activities like somersaults, dancing, and galloping, but their coordination is still developing, especially in activities like kicking and throwing balls. They can manage simple mechanical toys, prefer more realistic toys, and are increasingly interested in TV characters, influencing their play. They’re also curious, often asking “why,” and can engage with straightforward educational toys. Their color preference begins to shift from bright primary colors. Discover more about 24 through 35 Month Toddlers.


STEM STEAM Coloring Page


    Cartoon preschool boy holding science glassware.

    Here are some STEM science toys that are perfect for toddlers. Check out the ‘Learning Resources All About Me Mirror,’ which teaches observation and the visual senses. Science experiences can also help children build a foundation for future scientific understanding and develop early mathematical skills.


    Cartoon girl holding a robot's hand.

    As toddlers, it’s the best time to start introducing them to digital literacy, language development, and visual thinking. They will love Lapare’s Audible Learning Toy with Music which has a bilingual card reader with english and Spanish cards that are inserted into the viewer.


    Cartoon boy building a castle with blocks.

    For toddlers, nothing beats the classic building blocks. Blocks like LEGO Duplo or Wooden Blocks offer larger, toddler-friendly sizes perfect for those little hands. Building blocks are phenomenal for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and creativity.


    Cartoon of a toddler, or preschooler, holding a paint brush and palette.

    Integrating arts into STEM allows for a whole STEAM experience. Artistic activities nurture creativity and can teach scientific concepts, too (think mixing colors, textures, etc.). Crayola offers fantastic paint kits to help you set up creative and educational projects. You know from my other posts that I am an advocate for Crayola Ultra Washable Crayons and Markers. These are the only truly ‘washable’ ones that do not stain!


    Cartoon of preschool girl at a chalkboard writing mathematics.

    STEAM mathematics for toddlers is crucial as it plays a pivotal role in introducing concepts such as counting, shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness problem-solving skills. Toys designed for early math learning include: B. Toys’ Two Ty Fruity Abacus or LeapFrog’s Number Lovin’ Oven.

    Puzzles are a great way to work on hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. You can find Melissa and Doug Puzzles themed around animals, space, the human body, and more, all tailored to the little learner’s capacity.


    Simple and always new, nature walks are a great way to introduce biology hands-on. Discuss the plants, animals, and ecosystems you observe. In my experience, the toddlers love watching ants. Even collecting rocks can turn into a mini-geology lesson!

    Use recycled materials to create sculptures or models. Discuss the materials you’re using: What were they? Why are they good for building?

    On a sunny day, take some toys outside and trace their shadows with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway. Discuss the sun’s position and how it changes the size and orientation of shadows.

    These activities not only make learning fun but also help cement new concepts through play, which is toddlers’ natural learning language. Engaging with these tools and activities sets your child on a path of curiosity and lifelong learning.

    National STEM/STEAM Day for toddlers began as a larger initiative to encourage kids to explore and pursue science, technology, engineering, art, and math interests. It’s a perfect time to get involved, spark interest, and even learn something new with your little ones!

    Happy learning and playing, everyone!

    I value your input and comments tremendously. Please let me know if I should include anything else in this STEM/STEAM Day for toddlers blog post!

    Hari

    Wednesday 6th of November 2024

    Stem and steam will definitely help kids massively in my opinion. Its never too late to introduce these invaluable topics to them.

    Stelios

    Wednesday 6th of November 2024

    Fantastic resource for introducing your toddler to STEM. Love the ideas you've put together. It's never too early to get kids started.

    Kat Stano

    Wednesday 6th of November 2024

    I always loved nature exploration as a kid. We'd identify leaves and plants. So fun! Love your ideas!

    Fransic verso

    Sunday 20th of October 2024

    My little brother loves the building and construction set. I feel it helps them develop some type of creativity when choosing to do that. These toys are great for kids indeed.

    renata

    Saturday 19th of October 2024

    I remember our kids loving to play with their duplo, but they are adults now. Didn't know there was a national day for STEM