Transcending Traditional Learning: The STEM Education Advantage

With an expected increase of 10.8% in job growth surrounding STEM occupations by 2032, the topic of STEM education is increasingly relevant. Comparing this with the 2.3% growth in non-STEM jobs, the choice is easy for many parents.

STEM vs. STEAM - Igniting Innovation Through the Power of the Arts

So is it STEM or STEAM? And is this slight difference just a case of jargon-loving educators changing things for the sake of it? To the contrary – the addition of the arts into the STEM learning landscape will ensure we grow diverse, innovative, and future-proof problem solvers. But how can families facilitate effective STEAM education at home and give their learners the edge?

STEM Activities for Autistic Kids: Engaging and Empowering Learning

Every child has unique learning needs, but children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require some extra guidance and support. As a parent or teacher, it is crucial to understand what children with autism need and how to best support their learning.

Effortless STEM Fun for Busy Families

STEM activities involve a lot of hands-on projects and encompass knowledge across multiple disciplines and domains. Preparing the materials for these activities often requires a significant amount of time and effort. How can busy families easily incorporate STEM activities and experience the joy of STEM creation at home?

Back to School STEM Activities to Energize the New School Year

It's back-to-school season! The start of a new school year is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and challenges. As children return to the classroom, it's the perfect time to ignite their curiosity and enthusiasm with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities.

Bringing the Science Lab Home: How STEM Activities Enhance Homeschool Curriculum

As a participant in homeschool education, you're likely familiar with the buzzword in the education field—STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, helping children acquire knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment. In the future, the ability to solve complex problems will be more critical than just having technical or domain-specific knowledge.

5 Hands-On STEM Projects to Engage Homeschooled Kids

There are many creative ways to integrate STEM topics into your homeschooling. In this article, we recommend five exciting hands-on STEM and STEAM projects that you can easily include in your curriculum.

Integrating the Arts through STEAM in Homeschool Curriculum

What is STEAM? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) + Arts = STEAM. However, the "Arts" here encompass more than just music and visual arts as we commonly think.

Celebrate Roald Dahl Day with Magical STEM Learning

Roald Dahl's stories have captivated generations of readers with their imaginative plots and quirky characters. But did you know that these magical stories can also serve as a springboard for engaging children in exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities?

Can STEM Learning Benefit Children with ADHD? Exploring Engaging Strategies

ADHD children often exhibit inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. However, these traits also mean they are usually creative, have high energy levels, and can solve problems spontaneously. In traditional classroom settings, the lengthy lectures, static routine activities, and limited hands-on opportunities can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD. These challenges often lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance.

Hands-On STEM Adventures for 10-Year-Olds: Nurturing Activities for Inquisitive Minds

Right before your eyes, your 10-year-old seems to be growing from a child into a bigger kid. Their critical thinking skills are gradually strengthening, they're making huge strides in academics, they crave independence, and their social lives are increasingly rich. They are in a period of rapid cognitive and creative development, not only able to understand more complex concepts but also full of curiosity about the world around them.

Engaging STEM Activities for 7-Year-Olds: Sparking Curiosity and Creativity

Around the age of 7 marks a significant turning point in a child's cognitive development. This period signifies the transition from the preoperational stage (ages 2-7) to the concrete operational stage (ages 7-11). At this time, children begin to develop logical thinking skills, understand the concept of conservation, and become less egocentric, better able to understand the perspectives of others.

STEM Activities for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

EYFS, as the UK's early childhood education framework, provides comprehensive learning, development and care standards for children aged 0-5. It focuses on seven key areas that affect children's growth and development, such as mathematics, expressive arts and design, understanding the world, communication and language, laying the foundation for children's lifelong learning, behavior and health. These areas also contain the cultivation of STEM literacy.

Empowering Children with Dyslexia through STEM Learning: Why Everyone Should Have Access

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and writing skills. People with dyslexia may struggle to process and remember what they see and hear, impacting their ability to learn and acquire literacy skills.

However, thinking differently has its advantages. Many people with dyslexia excel in reasoning, visual, and creative domains, which are highly valuable in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Exploring the Universe: The Importance of STEM Education during World Space Week

Do you know what special days are from October 4th to 10th every year? It's World Space Week, the largest space event on Earth! As a global celebration, it aims to showcase how space science and technology improve human lives.

STEM education encourages children to think critically, creatively pose questions, and seek solutions. Through STEM education, children learn to approach problems systematically, analyze reasons for failure, improve methods, and ultimately find solutions when faced with setbacks. These skills are crucial for future space exploration.

Spooky STEM Fun: Halloween-Themed Activities to Delight and Educate

Halloween is one of the most creative times of the year, and it's a great opportunity to engage in fun and engaging STEM activities. During this spooky season, there are many activities that can spark children's interest and imagination. They may have already chosen their most terrifying costumes, or they may be eagerly anticipating the candy they will soon receive. Whatever their favourite part of Halloween, you can leverage this natural appeal to make STEM learning more enjoyable than usual.

Powering the Future: STEM Activities that Explore Renewable Energy

As Greta Thunberg says, nobody is too small to make a big difference. In England, schools emit over 10 million tons of carbon annually. If we can start raising awareness or reducing carbon emissions from schools and children, we can make a huge impact.

However, explaining renewable energy to children is not an easy task. How can we make abstract concepts concrete, fun, and easier for children to understand? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities provide an excellent way. STEM activities themed around renewable energy will inspire children's scientific curiosity and social responsibility, empowering them with more possibilities to explore a sustainable future.

Engaging STEM Education for Children with Cerebral Palsy: 5 Fun Activities

Play is crucial for children's development in all aspects, especially in motor, cognitive, emotional, and social areas. However, children with cerebral palsy have limited ability to explore the world due to movement and posture difficulties. This doesn't mean they're unwilling to explore like other children; they may just need more stimulation and an environment conducive to play.

Empowering Girls in STEM: Bridging the Gender Gap through Inclusive Education

As parents, we all want our children to have opportunities for success, regardless of whether they are boys or girls. In the future, about 90% of jobs will require proficient digital skills, which heavily rely on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This is why we want our children to receive STEM education from an early age.

Exciting STEM Experiments at Home: Fun and Learning Combined

Where does rain come from? How does a crane work? Why can airplanes fly in the sky? You might hear no less than 100 such questions from your curious little one every day. Children have a wide-ranging curiosity about the world, and you might wish you knew more about these sciences and had a good way to explain them to children.

Children are natural scientists, constantly observing, questioning, discovering, testing, and solving problems. These are all valuable aspects of STEM learning. STEM experiments can further develop these instinctive learning experiences in children. They can make abstract scientific concepts more concrete, interesting, and easy to understand. They also stimulate children's curiosity, boost their confidence, and help them develop critical thinking skills.

Explosive Guy Fawkes Day STEM Activities and Hands-On Experiments

Children have a natural curiosity and excitement about explosions and fireworks. Therefore, this fun holiday is not only rich in historical significance but also an excellent opportunity to engage children in Guy Fawkes Day STEM activities that explore the science behind the celebrations.

Using the Gunpowder Plot as a fuse, ignite children's enthusiasm for STEM with easy and exciting Guy Fawkes Day STEM activities. This article will introduce creative hands-on experiments, perfect for celebrating the holiday while helping children unleash their creativity and curiosity.

Engaging STEM Activities with Simple Machines: Fun Learning Experiences for Kids

In today's rapidly evolving world, children are naturally curious about how things work. Introducing them to STEM activities with simple machines is an excellent way to spark that curiosity while teaching them foundational concepts in physics and engineering. Simple machines—such as levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels, and axles—are the building blocks of more complex mechanical systems, and they offer a fun and interactive way to learn through hands-on exploration.

Whether you're a parent looking for engaging activities at home or an educator planning classroom projects, exploring the basics of simple machines can open the door to deeper understanding and a love for STEM education.

Exploring STEM Activities about Animals: Engaging Learning Experiences for Young Explorers

The world of animals offers endless opportunities to explore and learn, especially through the lens of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By focusing on STEM activities about animals, children can gain a deeper understanding of biology, ecology, and conservation, all while nurturing their natural curiosity. Whether they’re observing animals in their habitats or designing projects inspired by animal behaviour, these activities not only make STEM education more exciting but also more relatable.

Exploring STEM Activities through Paper Engineering and Origami: Fun and Creative Learning

Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities into a child's learning can be incredibly rewarding, and one of the most engaging methods to do this is through paper origami. Origami combines artistic expression with geometric concepts and engineering principles, making it an ideal activity for developing both creativity and critical thinking skills. Origami is not just about folding paper into aesthetically pleasing shapes, but also about teaching mathematics, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving through art.

Exploring STEM Learning with Magnets and Electricity: Engaging Activities for Young Innovators

As the world of education evolves, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) continues to be a powerful force in shaping the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. By tapping into the natural curiosity that children have about the world around them, we can make learning both fun and impactful. One of the most exciting ways to engage young minds in STEM learning activities is through the fascinating realms of magnets and electricity.

From the magic of magnets and electricity experiments to the mystery of electric circuits lighting up a bulb, these concepts are perfect for hands-on STEM activities with electricity at get children thinking, experimenting, and—most importantly—learning.

Building Strong, Confident Kids: A Parent's Guide

As an engineer mom, if you ask me what quality I want to cultivate in my children the most, I would unhesitatingly say: "Confidence!" I want my children to be filled with confidence—confident to express themselves, confident to face challenges, and confident to navigate the ups and downs of life.

This is exactly what Tinkerer wants to instill in children as well. Through fun, creative, and inspiring hands-on activities, Tinkerer aims to build children’s creative confidence. Children should not be passive learners; they should be brave explorers. They should be curious about the world and confident in their abilities. No matter what setbacks they encounter, they should maintain a resilient mindset and find unique solutions creatively.

Unlocking Creativity: STEM Learning through Building and Engineering Toys

In today’s rapidly evolving world, fostering strong foundations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has never been more critical. One of the most effective ways to nurture children’s love for STEM subjects is through STEM building toys, which offer hands-on experiences that engage their curiosity and imagination. From building intricate structures to designing functional mechanisms, engineering toys for kids turn learning into a fun and interactive experience that helps them grasp foundational concepts in a way that’s both exciting and educational.

Why Tinkerer is “Whoasome” for All Ages

Being a parent is no easy task. We not only have to care for our children’s everyday needs, but we also have to think about their future. And when we realise that 65% of today’s primary school students might work in jobs that don’t even exist yet, the uncertainty can be overwhelming.

So, parents face a tough question: “How can we prepare our children today for the challenges of tomorrow?”

15 Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids: Fun DIY Ideas and Step-by-Step Tutorials

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Halloween excitement fills the air. It's that magical time when creativity blossoms, and families come together to craft, laugh, and make memories. Engage your children with these Halloween DIY ideas that are both entertaining and educational. We've compiled 15 easy Halloween crafts for kids, complete with step-by-step tutorials. From simple Halloween crafts using household items to interactive Halloween science experiments, there's something here for every young ghoul and goblin.

Trending Activities to Do with Your Kids This Christmas 🎄✨

When the winter holidays roll around, kids are practically bursting with excitement for Christmas! Every morning, they leap out of bed, wide-eyed and ready to ask, “What’s the plan today?”

While you might manage to keep up for a day or two, let’s be honest—Christmas isn’t just a couple of days for them. It’s a full-on season, one they’ve been counting down to for weeks!

If the usual activities just aren’t cutting it anymore, it’s time to think outside the (gift) box. Why not create brand-new holiday traditions? We’ve rounded up some fun, festive, and unforgettable DIY activities and games that will make this season magical for the whole family.

Get Elsa's Winter Magic: Frozen STEM Activities

It’s hard to believe that a decade has flown by since Disney's 'Frozen' first premiered! As you watch your little princess channel her inner Elsa, it's clear that the magic of 'Frozen' continues to captivate children everywhere. Almost every girl has her own Elsa or Anna dress (or both!) and dreams of having schoolbags, water bottles, and even soap adorned with Princess Elsa's enchanting likeness.

Ice, snow, Elsa... suddenly, an idea sparked! With a simple twist, we can transform this fascination into the perfect opportunity to ignite your little girl’s interest in science. After all, who wouldn’t want to wield their own ice and snow magic

I’ve curated 12 exciting STEM activities centered around ice, snow, and winter, allowing you to choose the perfect ones based on your child’s age and interests. Let the chilly adventures begin!

How Paw Patrol Fandom Promotes Children's STEAM Development

Is your child insistent on watching an episode of Paw Patrol every day? Do they squeal with delight at anything featuring Marshall or Chase? Are they constantly role-playing and initiating rescue missions wherever they go? If this describes your child, I wouldn't be surprised, as Paw Patrol characters have become one of children's favourites alongside Marvel superheroes. Whilst you might be puzzled by your child's obsession, we can harness this passion to promote their STEM development!

Paw Patrol is filled with adventures and rescue missions, making it an excellent way to guide children in exploring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) concepts.

Continue reading to discover how to integrate STEM learning with Paw Patrol, support your child's interests through simple and fun family activities, and help them learn important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

4-Year-Old Won’t Share? Understanding Why and How to Encourage Kindness

Does your 4-year-old refuse to share, grabbing toys back from friends or not wanting to take turns? You’re not alone. Learning how to teach a child to share is a common challenge at this age. For researchers, this is completely expected and developmentally normal. But for parents, it can feel frustrating to navigate. Children need to learn how to share to make and keep friends, play cooperatively, and cope with disappointment. Sharing is key for parenting tips for preschoolers, especially as they start playdates, preschool, or kindergarten.

In this article, we will explore why 4-year-olds won’t share, how to encourage generosity, and practical strategies for parents to foster cooperation.

4-Year-Old Lying: Why It Happens and How Parents Can Respond

Have you ever caught your 4-year-old telling a tall tale about how the cookie jar magically emptied itself? You're not alone—lying is a common phase for young children. In this article, we will delve into why 4-year-olds lie, what it means developmentally, and how parents can respond effectively while fostering honesty.

Sesame Street STEM: How to Incorporate STEM Learning with Your Child’s Favourite Show

Sesame Street has been a beloved educational show for decades, but did you know it also encourages STEM learning? Through fun characters like Elmo, Grover, and Cookie Monster, Sesame Street introduces science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in ways kids love.

Building Focus Through STEM: Games That Keep Nursery Children Engaged

In an increasingly digital world, the magic of hands-on play remains the most effective way to engage nursery children in games and develop crucial STEM skills. In this article, we will delve into why screen-free, tactile games support STEM learning and sustained attention in nursery-aged children. Worth a read!

Minions and STEM: How These Mischievous Scientists Make Learning Fun

From banana-powered inventions to gravity-defying gadgets, Minions are tiny STEM experts in disguise. Nowadays, many STEM camps have adopted Minion themes to engage children in activities like robotics, coding, and engineering.

Exploring Peppa Pig's Educational Value: What Parents Should Know

Peppa Pig has become a household name for preschoolers worldwide, but have you ever wondered about its educational value?

Understanding why your preschooler can’t focus and what to do about it

Between the ages of three and five, children experience remarkable brain growth, forming neural pathways that support cognitive, emotional, social, physical and language development.

The Psychology of Curiosity: How Wonder Drives Lifelong Learning

Curiosity is often known as the key to lifelong learning. Experts have found that curious children are generally more successful at school and in life.

STEAM Careers: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

In today’s world, as there is a growing demand for creative, interdisciplinary thinkers and innovators, there is an increasing awareness of STEAM’s.

Children Who Are Cruel to Animals: What to Do

Recognizing animal abuse by children is crucial: not only does it harm animals, but it can also signal deeper emotional or psychological issues. As John M. Macdonald noted in "The Threat To Kill," many criminals have a history of animal cruelty in their youth.

Why Having a Pet Is Great For Your Child’s Growth

According to a 2021 survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 87% of pet owners have experienced improvements in their mental health due to having a companion animal.

The Role of Positive Emotions in Learning

Emotions play a vital role in how children learn and grow. In today’s fast-paced world, fostering positive emotions in learning is more important than ever, especially within STEAM education.

Mindfulness for Kids: Simple Practices to Boost Focus & Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, childhood isn’t always as carefree as we might remember. Kids are juggling busy schedules, academic demands, and a constant stream of digital distractions, all while navigating the ups and downs of friendships and growing up.

Growth Mindset in STEM: Building Resilience Through Failure

While 95 percent of teens agree that risk-taking is required for innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM careers, 46 percent say they are afraid to fail or uncomfortable taking risks to solve problems.

Learning Through Failure: Why Mistakes Matter in STEAM Play and Development

According to UC Berkeley professor Matt Covington, fear of failure is closely connected to self-worth: the belief in one’s own value. Children often base their sense of worth on their parents’ opinions, worrying they won’t be loved or appreciated unless they achieve top grades, outstanding performance, or perfect behaviour.

Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions Through Play

Emotional intelligence in children is more than just a buzzword. It’s a fundamental skill that shapes lifelong well-being and success. As parents and educators, we want our kids to thrive not only academically but also emotionally.

How to Encourage Self-Initiated Play with Open-Ended Toys

Unstructured play is a cornerstone of healthy childhood development. When children are given the freedom to explore, invent, and create without rigid instructions, they build essential skills that serve them for life.

Family Traditions: Creative Ways to Bond Through Play and Projects

Family traditions are the threads that weave generations together, creating a tapestry of memories, values, and shared joy.

Outdoor Adventures: STEAM Activities for Backyard Exploration

At Tinkerer, we’re passionate about the power of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, to spark curiosity and fuel children’s cognitive growth.

Building Executive Function Skills with Everyday Play

The concept of executive function, and its importance for learning and development, has been given increasing attention in recent years.

Parent’s Guide to Choosing Age-Appropriate Educational Kits

Choosing the right educational kits is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s growth at every stage. The best ones do more than entertain.

Quirky Corners: Hidden Spaces That Spark Kids’ Imaginations

When you think of a playroom, you might picture a large, open space filled with toys and games. But what if the true magic lies in the nooks and crannies you’ve overlooked?

The Power of Storytelling: Combining Books and STEAM Activities

Storytelling is a timeless, universal tool for learning and connection. When paired with the dynamic hands-on nature of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) activities, it sparks creativity, deepens understanding, and makes lessons truly memorable.

The Role of Music and Movement in Early Childhood Development

Early childhood is a remarkable period of rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. During these first formative years, children’s brains and bodies absorb and process a remarkable amount of new information and experiences every single day.