Integrating STEM Teaching and Learning Into the K-2 Classroom

Book excerpt: "It's time to ramp up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the K-2 classroom. Benefits of early learning in science and math include the following: (a) It leads to social-emotional development and fewer challenging behaviors; (b) it supports the development of a mind-set that includes curiosity, communication, persistence, and problem solving; (c) it contributes to gains in other subjects by supporting literacy and language development and better reading comprehension and writing skills; and (d) it includes subjects that can engage students from varying backgrounds, including English language learners. But delivering quality early STEM information requires expertise on the part of the teacher in scaffolding the lessons. Research shows that quality STEM teaching and learning is critical in early childhood education; however, it is also points out that the teachers themselves need support as they learn how to facilitate STEM learning in their classrooms. Professional learning experiences are needed to cover how teachers can make connections between STEM topics and the everyday activities they are already doing with their students. STEM teaching and learning does not need to become one more add-on to the K-2 classroom. STEM learning should be a natural extension to what teachers are already teaching. It was with this in mind that we set out to write this book. We wanted to focus on how to naturally integrate STEM learning into K-2 classroom experiences"--