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Innately curious, infants and toddlers love to explore, investigate, and discover—making the earliest years a perfect time to begin teaching the foundations of STEM. This book defines what science, technology, engineering, and math education looks like for this age group, and why it is so vital for children to develop STEM knowledge. Expand your understanding of STEM to lay the foundation for children to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
This book supplies fifty play-based developmentally appropriate activities for introducing STEM. All activities include extensions, inquiry questions, and tips on how to help parents strengthen children's learning at home.
Jean Barbre, EdD, holds a master's degree in child and family studies from California State University Long Beach, a master's degree in counseling from California State University Fullerton, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Pepperdine University. She has more than thirty years of experience working with children and families in a variety of roles and currently teaches early childhood courses in community college and California State University system as well as presents at professional conferences across the country.
—Mary Lynn Hess, NSTA Recommends
“Baby Steps to STEM’s high quality of writing and excellent organizational structure are a pleasure to behold, while the insights and activities that grace page after page make it an indispensable resource every parent, teacher and caregiver should read.”
—Tillywig Brain Child Award
"Baby Steps to STEM is a valuable resource for parents and caregivers; essentially all adults who are a part of young infant or toddler's life. It provides practical strategies, and thoughtful examples which illustrate the back and forth interactions between adults and young children that stimulate wonder, curiosity and communication."
—Christina Nigrelli, senior director of programs, ZERO TO THREE
"In Dr. Jean Barbre, young children, and those of us who serve as their caregivers and teachers, have long had an amazing and tireless ally. Now with her book, Baby Steps to STEM, we have an equally valuable resource. Straightforward and readable, this book will improve your practice—helping to provide meaningful and joyful STEM experiences to our youngest learners."
—William Straits, PhD, professor of Science Education at California State University Long Beach, and director of A Head Start on Science
"Baby Steps to STEM is a must read for any early childhood teacher who has watched young children experiment. Jean Barbre helps us to create joyful experiences for young children that celebrate their work as thinkers and doers."
—Ingrid Anderson, EdD, Infant Toddler Mental Faculty and Coordinator, Portland State University (25-years early childhood faculty and researcher)
"An incredibly useful tool, Baby Steps to STEM provides a much-needed framework for early STEM learning and development, and connects the dots between theory and practice with an extensive list of engaging STEM activities and resources. If you are an educator of children or adults you will find this an invaluable guide to bringing out the STEM in your work!"
—Soleil Boyd, PhD, director of coaching and professional development, Childcare Quality and Early Learning Center for Research and Professional Development, University of Washington
Overview of STEM
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
Why is it Important for Children to Develop STEM Knowledge?
Preparing Children for the 21st Century
21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity
Setting the Stage for Learning
Infant and Toddler Development
Social-Emotional Development
Physical Development
Cognitive Development
Language Development
How does Responsive Caregiving Support STEM Development?
Learning Environments
Play Based Learning Environments
Indoor and Outdoor Space
Materials to Support STEM Exploration
Safety
STEM Early Learning Centers
Scientific Inquiry
Listening and Observing Children
Asking Questions
Introduction to Science
Physical Science
Life Science
Earth Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
Number sense and Operations
Algebra-Patterns and Classification
Geometry-Shapes and Spatial Relationships
Measurement and Mathematical Reasoning
Final Thoughts
How to Use These Activities
Activities for STEM Development
Glossary of STEM terms
List of STEM Books
Index of activities by age range
Index of activities by STEM concept