Benefits of Our STEM After School Program
Most parents have at least heard the word “STEM.” Perhaps they even know that it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. However, beyond that, most parents don’t know much about STEM.
Step by Step is a child care provider in Hoboken that offers programs for infants through preschool, as well as after school programs for children up to age 13. We offer an after school STEM program that takes these four disciplines mentioned above and combines them with hands-on activities to help compliment your student’s school learning and allow them to explore other areas of learning. The goal of STEM programs is to promote the acquisition of many skills, including problem solving, thinking creatively and critically, helping with decision making and leadership opportunities, and more. Below, we’ll go over some of the many benefits of enrolling your child in a STEM after school program. Contact us to learn more today!
BENEFITS OF OUR STEM AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Allows for Experimentation
Experimenting in life allows for learning and discovery. Think of all the inventors who simply “tried” something, and it worked. Penicillin, the X-ray machine, champagne, and the microwave oven were all discovered accidentally. Giving children the chance to experiment teaches them that it’s okay to not know the outcome and to take risks. It also teaches them that all ideas are okay to try. Once children realize the value of experimentation, they will embrace it, using it in all areas of their life, even at a personal level, to find what works for them.
Fosters Teamwork
Many STEM activities involve team projects. From working together on a science project to using technology to build robots, students are frequently asked to collaborate together, which is a skill that is learned and then perfected with years of practice. Working as a team also teaches children how to rely on their teammate’s strengths and to ask for help when needed. Teamwork teaches kids to listen to their teammates, to take their ideas into consideration, and to offer up advice that is not critical, but helpful. Children will also discover that their projects often turn out better when done together rather than alone.
Use of Technology
Technology is an integral component in STEM. After all, technology is not going away, so it’s crucial that your child is exposed to and can use technology at an early age. In fact, as soon as your child begins kindergarten, having computer skills will help them as they move through their academic career and life. 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and citizenship are packed into our after school STEM program lessons here at Step by Step. Reach out to our daycare center to learn more today.
Builds Confidence
In STEM there is often not a right or a wrong answer, and students will often fail to find a good validation of a hypothesis, or their experiment will not go as planned. However, students will learn that making mistakes is part of the process, and you simply try again. This will teach your child resilience and perseverance, as well as confidence in what they are doing. These are all life skills that are extremely hard to teach, but once learned, will stay with your child for life.
Makes the Hard Subjects Fun
Many children struggle in the “hard” subjects at school, which include math, science, and engineering. Because they struggle, they tend not to like it, which is why many children choose alternative career paths outside of these areas. With a STEM after school program, such as the one offered by Step by Step in Hoboken, children will be exposed to seeing these subjects in real-world applications. They will see that math and science are all around them. Building bridges incorporates engineering and math, and understanding probability helps children when playing games of chance with their friends. Step by Step works hard to incorporate learning and fun in everything we do in our after school program. Learn more by contacting us today.
CHOOSE STEP BY STEP SCHOOL TODAY
Step by Step takes pride in offering the best daycare and after school programs in Hoboken. We use the best curriculums, including STEM, in order to prepare your child for their academic career. Combined with our highly-experienced teachers, your child will be imbued with a passion for learning.
Our after school STEM program is perfect for children ages five to 13. We offer a modern classroom that incorporates technology at every turn, as well as a plethora of hands-on activities to grow your child. Your child will not only have fun, but they will also develop social skills, make friends, and learn valuable life skills. If you are interested in any of our regular daycare programs for children from infants to preschool or our top-notch after school program, give us a call today!