New resource helps educators introduce STEM to preschoolers
YPSILANTI, MI, May 7, 2018 — HighScope Educational Research Foundation, a leader in early childhood research and practice, has released STEM Made Simple, a new publication that helps educators ignite children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Developed by preschool teachers worldwide, this innovative resource shows teachers how to incorporate STEM activities into the classroom, whether they are in a public school program, a Head Start center, or a family child care setting.
“Today, preparing the youngest children for the future, for jobs that haven’t yet been envisioned, requires that they develop STEM skills, including the ability to think critically, problem solve, create, and imagine,” said Christine Maier, HighScope’s Chief Officer of Early Childhood Applied Practice. “We know that young children can do STEM, but we need to help our teachers learn how to develop children’s STEM skills.”
STEM Made Simple introduces early childhood educators to the exciting world of STEM by looking at the latest research in STEM learning, why these concepts are important for preschoolers, and how to naturally integrate STEM learning into the classroom. With 25 activities written by preschool teachers from all over the world and in all different settings, teachers can successfully introduce STEM topics in their curriculum, whether their classroom has the latest technology or not.
“Some teachers don’t want to teach STEM because they’re afraid they don’t know enough science or math to do it well,” explains Holly Delgado, HighScope Demonstration Preschool Teacher. “That’s why we developed this book with easy-to-understand and easy-to-apply science and math concepts. We want all teachers to feel confident incorporating STEM into their classroom.”
About HighScope
HighScope Educational Research Foundation is an early childhood leader in pursuit of a world where all children have the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively so they have satisfying, productive lives. HighScope supports the development of young children from birth through age eight by developing and providing quality, research-based, high-quality curricula, assessments, professional learning, and other supports in the context of families and their communities.
HighScope’s roots extend back to the Perry Preschool Project (1962–1967). Launched in Ypsilanti, Michigan and led by Ypsilanti Schools psychologist David Weikart and Perry Elementary School principal Charles Eugene Beatty, the Perry Preschool Project was one of the first early childhood programs in the United States intentionally designed to increase school success for preschool children living in poverty. Today, HighScope’s work can be found in classrooms throughout the United States and in educational settings around the globe.
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