STEAM Activities for Pre-K to 2nd Grade

To think of STEAM, most would picture an older elementary classroom doing science projects and more advanced or involved work. But STEAM can actually be done with any grade level, even as young as Pre-K. Obviously, this would look a little different for the younger grades, but yet still very possible. When doing STEAM with younger grades, it has a lot to do with getting them to think outside of the box. You want the younger students to begin learning how to think critically and on their own at a young age so that when they get to the older grades, it is not a hard concept to grasp and they are more successful. If a foundation is laid in the younger grades, it will build a positive connection to their later years and students will continuously have an active role in their learning. STEAM also has a positive impact on dual language learners by giving them a hands on experience and a new approach to learning. What may not get comprehended through words is more likely to be comprehended through the use of active learning. Students naturally have a problem solving instinct that will kick start a desire to participate in these types of lessons. There are many resources on how to incorporate STEAM in the early childhood, elementary grades. Just simply googling or looking up on Pinterest some ideas, will provide an abundance. Of course, you always want to make sure whatever you do lines up with your standard! AT this young age, there are many "STEAM" related activities that the students do just by playing each day. Their imagination in itself at that age can be critical thinking

in how to build or maybe even draw a picture. The technology part can be including the use of anything that makes learning easier, such as crayons, a ruler, pencil grip, or eraser. The math part could be things like counting, patterns, or organizing. Those are the two things that might especially be thought of as older subjects, but are just as easily included in the younger grades. STEAM is just as vital as the other subjects and should be included in our young learners education.