CDA Classes to Improve STEAM Learning in the ECE Classroom

As an early childhood educator, you set the tone for children’s future relationship with learning. By introducing them to many concepts at a very young age, you help create a firm foundation for learning that will carry forward into their future. One way to do this is to introduce children to STEM learning.  As you're taking CDA classes, you will learn ways to bring STEM into the early childhood education environment.

What Is STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Focusing on these curriculum areas helps children build important critical thinking, coding, and problem-solving skills. These skills, along with soft skills such as being able to communicate effectively and work with a team, are the future of the changing job market.  In addition to STEM, many programs are also adding a creative component to help children learn in a well-rounded way. This learning approach is known as STEAM, with the ‘A’ standing for art. 

How Do You Include STEM in ECE?

To help children learn the skills that will help them be successful later in life, sparking early interest is important. Teachers can help develop children’s interest by taking them on nature walks, discussing the changing seasons, helping them notice how the sun moves across the sky, and looking at how different elements of nature work.

In the classroom, toys and games can help create a love of STEM topics. For instance, blocks are perfect for the budding engineer. Number tiles or manipulatives introduce young children to math. Even computers and tablets can help to introduce students to technology. Finally, when stocking your book shelves or choosing titles for reading time, add biographies of scientists or non-fiction books about how things work to the collection of fictional picture books.

Which CDA Classes Should You Take?

These tips cover just a few of the elements you might consider if introducing young children to STEM learning. To learn more, consider taking the following CDA classes:

• Science for Young Children — In this course, learn how to introduce children to science and the scientific method, which is the basis for every science experiment.
• Hands-on Excitement: Manipulatives for Teaching Young Children Math — Manipulatives give children a physical introduction to the abstract concepts of math. This course demonstrates how to use manipulatives with children.
• Ignite Their Minds: Making Math an Integral Part of Your Teaching — Math doesn't need to be a mystery. With this class, learn how to get children excited about math so they see it as a regular part of their life.
• Block Play as a Creative Learning Strategy — Blocks are a great introduction to engineering, math, and creativity. Learn how to make the most of a simple set of blocks by adding this course to your list of CDA classes.
• Integrating Math and Science Into the ECE Classroom — Although some people think of math and science as subjects for older students, your children can start young. This course demonstrates how to integrate these topics into your classroom.
• STEM in the Preschool Classroom — This course pulls it all together. It provides an overview of STEM and how it relates to higher level thinking. Then, it shows you ways to incorporate STEM into your curriculum.
   

If you want to take CDA classes to earn or renew your CDA, let us help. At ProSolutions Training, we have all the courses you need. Register online today or contact us directly with questions.