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Arts Just as Crucial as Math and Science, Say Education
Experts
Special to The Truth
Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math -- known collectively as STEM -- has
been the buzz phrase for educators for some time. But, with
many school districts eliminating art, music and other
humanities classes, there has been a recent push by
educators to change the focus from STEM to STEAM, and add
arts back into the mix for a more well-rounded education.
“Many experts agree that
STEAM education is a great way to engage children of all
ages in creative play, discovery and learning,” says Dr.
Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning Expert and member of the
Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and
developmental stage-based electronic learning products for
children.
Whatever the present
academic focus of your local school district is, you can
help support a more comprehensive education for your
children at home, while making it fun. Here’s how to
incorporate STEAM learning into your children’s playtime:
Art Time
The school day may not
offer daily opportunities for creativity to flourish, but
you can turn the playroom at home into an artists’ studio.
Keep on hand arts and crafts supplies such as glue,
construction paper, glitter, scissors, string and paint.
Take a trip to a museum or
gallery and learn about different artists and styles to get
kids inspired.
New Technologies
Handing over your
expensive, breakable mobile technology to your young
children may not sound ideal for on-the-go learning, but
there are durable tablets built for children that support
learning apps combining STEM subjects with the arts.
For example, InnoTab MAX,
VTech’s most powerful and versatile 7-inch tablet, features
access to more than 650 educator-supported apps, including
hand-picked Android learning games and age-appropriate
learning software and content through VTech’s Learning
Lodge, as well as creative onboard apps such as Movie Maker
and Art Studio. The apps feature a wide curriculum of
language arts and reading, math, science, social studies,
problem solving and creativity, that have been reviewed by a
panel of education and child development experts.
Music
Participation in music
education has been proven to improve grades in STEM
subjects. Not only that, it’s a ton of fun.
If your school offers
opportunities such as band or chorus, encourage your kids to
get involved. If arts programs are scarce, invest in a
keyboard or guitar for the home. Even if private music
lessons are out of the budget, there are plenty of online
tutorials that can help with the basics.
While there’s no doubt
that math and science comprehension are critical, education
experts advise parents to support an interdisciplinary
approach to learning that incorporates the arts as well.
Courtesy: StatePoint
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