We’ve got the secret that all parents are looking for. STEAM toys. No, not toys that produce steam, but the acronym STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Parents are wanting them, and educators are pushing them. In a world now dominated by social media and gruesome video games, the yearn for real hands-on learning toys has become a must-have for parents, and rightfully so. These toys, designed to engage children in the five category disciplines listed above, are gaining major recognition for their profound impact on fine motor skill and cognitive development at every age. Let’s explore the importance of fostering STEAM toys into play.
Numbers, please!:
Yes, we get it. Where’s the truth without numbers? Our good friends over at The Toy Association have put together a fabulous White Page STEAM Toy summary with all the stats parents need to hop on the STEAM train. We’ll just summarize a few of those facts here:
- 67% of parents believe that STEM/STEAM toys are the best way to push science, technology, engineering, and math skills in their child(ren).
- 82% of parents acknowledge they look for ways to encourage learning in their child’s play
- Screen time for children averages 3 ½ hours per day.
- 9 out of 10 parents believe it’s important for their child(ren) to foster STEM/STEAM skills for further development.
All data gathered from The Toy Association, 2019.
Encourage a Love for Learning:
Out with the old and in with the new – STEAM toys turn learning into a fun and engaging trial-and-error adventure. They also encourage open-ended play – a valuable criterion that teaches every way to play is the right way. By merging play with education, children view learning as enjoyable with a yearn for further exploration. Children are naturally curious, and STEAM toys harness that curiosity and ignite a passion for knowledge.
Develop Must-Have Critical Thinking Skills:
Critical thinking skills are the core of our everyday activities and successes. STEAM toys challenge children to solve problems, make decisions, and think from a creative point of view (just like every skill requirement listed on a college application or a job listing). Whether constructing a building made from early engineering blocks or testing out different color combinations in an art project, introducing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills at a young age is crucial for future development.
Learning There’s No I in Team:
Teamwork projects are the forefront of every class or work project – we function in teams. Many STEAM toys are designed to encourage collaboration and learning how to understand other points of view, which can be difficult at a young age. Working on a project together also teaches valuable social skills that can be masked by social media usage. Learning teamwork, social, and problem-solving skills?
To wrap it all up, STEAM toys are much more than playthings – they are the catalysts for a love of learning and exploration. By introducing STEAM early on, we empower young children to become revolutionized critical thinkers, collaborators, and innovators. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the STEAM toy train today! As we say at Roylco, let’s build tomorrow’s generation together.
