What is STEM and STEAM?

“STEM” means “science, technology, engineering, and math”.  Since schools have always taught science and math, the key point in calling something a “STEM” program is not only a promise to deliver really strong science and math, but to teach technology and engineering too.  And that’s something schools have not traditionally done.   

We’re seeing that the good jobs today, and even more in the future, are going to those people who don’t just know science and math, but who know how to apply it to make things - to design and build things. That’s what an engineer does - and that’s why engineers make so much more money than mathematicians! 

But these skills are not just important for becoming an engineer: learning how to apply what you learn to real world situations makes anyone more effective and more valuable - whether you have a career in technology, or even if you have a career in business or even the arts.  The people that get ahead in today’s world are creative, collaborative team players who know how to dream, plan, and get things done.  That’s what STEM education is all about.

But not only has there been a lack of practical science in the traditional school curriculum, there’s also been a lack of attention to the arts, which are a crucial part of a classical education.   So the “A” in “STEAM” is for the Arts.

While we should put heavy emphasis on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, researchers also know that Art is not only fun for kids, and makes them more well-rounded – but it actually makes them better at math and science too.  And art (whether drawing, dancing, or listening to music) is and should be a relaxing activity that complements their other work later in school, and throughout their lives.

Art is important in child development also because it helps children develop their motor skills at an early age – developing muscles in their fingers to do artwork also helps them draw letters and numbers later on.  Look at Leonardo da Vinci: a great scientist, but also a great artist – and his art is what made his science accessible to others.

Montessori provides a proven and highly respected method of building motor and social skills in young children, and developing an inquiring mind.   Adding additional STEM elements to build collaborative and problem solving skills really gives children what they need for the 21st century – the world is really changing – faster than we know.   Mariner Montessori combines these two proven and highly relevant elements of education into a learning environment that prepares children for the future.

Preschool versus Daycare

Many parents of young children have full time jobs, and need a safe and nurturing place for their children to remain during the day.  While safety is the most important factor, more and more parents are realizing that children as young as six months old will benefit from an environment enriched by a qualified teacher specializing in early childhood education.  In other words, more parents today are looking for more than daycare – they want preschool – also known as “early childhood education.”

An effective early childhood classroom looks a bit different than an elementary school classroom – and different from daycare.   In an early childhood classroom, teachers incorporate learning into the play and socialization activities that take place.   

One of the most effective methods of teacher-guided “play” is known as Montessori education, and is especially popular at the preschool level.  In Montessori classrooms, teachers show young children how to work with toys known as “manipulatives”.  The Montessori methodology is more fully described here.

The fact is that children are capable of much more than most adults realize.  Language acquisition is just one area where extremely young children benefit greatly from an environment rich in conversation.  Children also learn valuable socialization skills when exposed to other children at very young ages.  This is especially true when the environment is created and guided by an experienced teacher.   Children can also acquire a significant head start in other skills such as experimentation, analysis, reasoning, logic, and of course literacy, numeracy, and familiarity with colors, shapes, animals, and other things that are a part of our world.

 Children who have been enrolled in quality preschools are more prepared for elementary school.  Whether you are interested in a competitive private elementary school for your child, one of the most sought-after Magnet schools, or even your neighborhood public school, a good Montessori preschool experience is a great choice. And a choice your child will thoroughly enjoy!