Select Region
Follow us!


The Importance of STEAM Classes for Young Kids

The Importance of STEAM Classes for Young Kids


If you’re a parent of a school-aged child you have most likely have heard of STEM curriculum. That is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Recently, it has been changed to STEAM, to include the arts as educators have found that adding an art component makes topics like coding and technology more approachable. Many schools have adopted STEAM curriculum in order to teach to the individual and better accommodate diverse interests.  Although such topics were previously reserved to older children, building an early foundation in STEAM topics, creates a platform for future academic success. NY Kids Club, for instance, has recently added two new STEAM classes for kids ages 3-5 and has found that children are grasping the subjects, developing an appreciation for traditionally “scary” subjects, and preparing for academic years ahead.

STEAM education moves away from passive learning and instead encourages immersive learning.  STEM encourages children to engage in the world around them, to appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary. For example, engineering teaches children to take note of tall buildings when walking down the street, and math helps children learn the fundamentals of counting coins. Carol Moritz, Director of NY Preschool says, "From an early age infants learn through exploring their environment and manipulating the objects around them. Each day children are inherently forced to overcome learning obstacles as they access and begin to understand the world around them. A STEAM curriculum allows children to build upon their natural cognitive and physical foundation, challenging them to explore, plan, create and revise.” Creating awareness about what goes into constructing an educational computer game is an equally valuable lesson as what the game itself teaches.

City as Classroom

For NY Kids Club, New York City itself acts as a STEAM program, and has aided in the introduction of STEAM topics. Moritz says, “STEAM learning encompasses a project approach, which offers students the opportunity to practice 21st century learning skills: creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.”

In the NY Kids Club’s Architect and Engineers class children are introduced to the different types of building or structures that exists throughout the world and shown how to create their very own blueprint. Sometimes students will analyze the buildings in New York, “but the class might also cover the concept of world homes,” says Moritz, “so maybe in different parts of the world people might live in tree houses so we encourage the kids to think about what that looks like.” Social studies and geography are also introduced in this class, encouraging “students to imagine what their version of that building would look like. They would then construct that building with different materials. So, they have to use their imaginations and think about how they would build their own version of that specific structure,” says Moritz.



Making Math Fun

One topic that sometimes gets a bad rap is math. It can be somewhat daunting subject to teach young children and the educators at NYKids Club are fully aware of it’s reputation. Moritz says the focus is really, “to build a lifelong love of learning for all children.” This means introducing math in a fun way.  She notes, “we find that many children get a little frustrated and concerned about math and put up a wall at a very young age, but the Math Magic program makes math fun by introducing students to logic, sequencing, counting, patterns, addition, and subtraction in ways in which they can relate.” An introduction and appreciation of math early on, will instill your child with a strong foundation in the subject.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Moritz says, “STEAM programs promote critical thinking, collaboration, curiosity and inquiry.  Such skills not only prepare our students for their future academic journey but also instill confidence and feelings of empowerment.” A foundation in math, science, and art prepares students for future professional, emotional, and social success.

More Articles:

Former Student is New Owner of Tumble-Bee Gymnastics in Rockland

Cheryl Holm of Tumble-Bee Gymnastics passes the torch to former student Marie Wood as the Rockland County school enters its 37th year in business.


Latest News:

The Six Best Afterschool Activities in Rockland & Bergen

Looking to sign your kids up for some afterschool enrichment and fun? Check out the 6 Best Afterschool Activities in Rockland & Bergen!


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.

Featured Listings:

Elite Minds Montessori

Elite Minds Montessori

Carroll Gardens, NY Elite Minds Montessori a French Inclusion Pre-School for 2 ½-6 Year olds and a part of the American Montessori Society We all know that the first 5...

Park Shore Country Day School

Park Shore Country Day School

Dix Hills, NY Park Shore is a renowned preschool and kindergarten located in Dix Hills on 15 beautiful acres, centrally located in Suffolk County. Park Shore offers...

Little Sponges Child Learning Center

Little Sponges Child Learning Center

Westbury, NY Our mission is to provide the parents of our community as well as surrounding communities, a safe healthy developmentally appropriate environment wher...