How Parents Can Get Young Children Ready for STEM Success
- Engage in informal STEM learning in the home by ensuring that TV, games, science kits, play time, family events include STEM topics and activities.
- Engage in informal STEM learning in the community by going with children to libraries, science museums, zoos and aquariums. Parents without the time and resources can partner with their schools and community groups that offer support to low-income families.
- Practice math and science skills at home as you do daily activities with your children.
- Model STEM curiosity to encourage your children’s interest in STEM.
- Motivate your children by linking STEM to the family’s everyday life activities.
- Grow your own STEM knowledge.
- Enroll children in STEM related extracurricular/co-curricular activities offered by schools, community groups, religious organizations.
- Convey your confidence in your child’s abilities to do math and science even if he or she finds it difficult at first. For example, infants have difficulty walking; they fall down a lot. But eventually, they learn to walk and to run!! It is the same with math and science.