Independence Day is here and summer break is providing plenty of time for new possibilities! Independence and independent thinking are critical skills for children to master as major components of STEAM education and success. Many families are considering how to use this summer season to promote independence in their children.
Read MoreMuch of the world is spending more time at home, and families are left looking for activities. You’ve already chalked the driveway. The new puzzle you ordered hasn’t arrived yet. And that homemade playdough recipe blew up on the stove and cost you your last roll of paper towels.
If you’re feeling cabin fever and are looking to shake off quarantine burnout, the prescription could be a passion project.
Learning at Home, Learning Through Play, Kids & Coding, STEAM
What’s the secret of ultimate success in life?
As a parent, you have the power to influence your kid towards success. We’re not talking about pushing too far. We’re talking about positive parenting practices based on encouragement.
We all want our kids to grow into successful people and there’s nothing wrong with that.
But what’s success, really?
The beginning of a child’s educational years is paramount. A child needs someone to fight for them if there are academic struggles. There are countless ways to reach a child, games being one avenue. Not every child will enjoy games but for the child who does, games create a relaxed atmosphere where a child can learn without frustration and tears. A child will also have the opportunity to walk away with a happy face. There are simple board games that can be combined with dice, e.g., Surprise Slides and Math Dice Jr. There are games that can be played for sheer academic value, e.g., 7 ate 9. Lastly, logic games can be played to develop deduction skills, e.g., Cat Crimes.
STEM Education / Play, Learning at Home, Learning Through Play, STEM, STEAM
With just a smidgen of creativity, most games can become useful tools to help a child grasp a difficult concept. Games can be used to help teach math, English, geography, and other subjects. Ninety-nine or Bust is a math game in which basic skills are repeatedly used. Deer in the Headlights is a regular game where cards are discarded but this game can be easily converted into a math game. Buying games like these do not have to cost a fortune.
Music Makes You Smarter, Instruments, Compose Music, Music Education, Orchestra, STEM, STEAM
It is essential that children have the hunger and will in them to keep learning new things. Childhood is the only opportunity they will have to invest freely in it. Although parents themselves make most of the decisions, those decisions are more likely to pay-off if they take their child's likes and interests into consideration.
STEM Education / Play, Learning at Home, Learning Through Play, STEAM
Summer is here and travel is on the rise! As a school-based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), I often get asked at the end of the year what types of activities are recommended during the summer. Specifically, parents often ask me for activity recommendations for travel during the summer months.
