The STEM Kidz Parent of the Month

 

PARENT OF THE MONTH: Johanna Ramirez-Anderson

How old are your kids?

4 and 2

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Technology 

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

Both of my kids play with Osmo. I’ve also introduced scientific topics to them in form of children's books from a very early age. Additionally, both kids enjoy their Kiwico subscriptions that have helped develop their interest in engineering.

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

Studies have shown that children’s brains are like sponges between the ages of 0-5 years old. This means they can absorb a vast amount of information, even if it may seem complex. Take advantage of those early years to introduce your children to as many STEM activities, books, and toys as possible!

 

PARENT OF THE MONTH: Megan Marshall

How old are your kids?

10, 3, and 1

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Science

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

I allow my children to have free play as well as guided play.

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

If the children find new ways to play with the toys that are not the same as your guided play, its ok!

What is your favorite product from our store?

We love our magna qubix

 

 

 

PARENT OF THE MONTH: Jane Benavides

How old are your kids?

Boys are 3 and 5 years old; daughter is 20 months

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Science

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

We do a lot of science experiments; build with all kids of materials and of course read a lot of books

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

I would advise to follow your child’s lead and show them science, technology, engineering, math in things they like. Give them time and opportunities to explore, encourage to try and create. Use basic supplies/simple materials and give freedom to chose how to play with it (for example build from recycling materials; take them outside to explore nature and wildlife etc). Read more books together.

What is your favorite product from our store?

The KITCHEN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS: 50 STEAM PROJECTS YOU CAN EAT!

 

      

 

 

PARENT OF THE MONTH: Tyler LeClaire

How old is your baby?

17 months

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Engineering

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

My wife and I do a lot of puzzles with her and have toys that allow for open ended play. Puzzles, such as the Tetris or Hexagon Puzzles, are great for noticing patterns, matching colors and shapes, developing fine motor skills and memory. Open-ended toys (wooden blocks, your Plastic Discs, or the Construction Building Set) are amazing for encouraging imagination, problem solving and growth mindset. If something falls or isn’t working we can always rethink our idea and rebuild. We, as parents, help prepare, guide, and document open-ended learning experiences. The same skills that my daughter is developing at 1 are skills she will use to learn new STEM ideas at school later in life.

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

My advice is that parents not forget to give their children time to explore and play independently. Independent play is just as important as guided play. It teaches kids how to be self-reliant, creative, imaginative, and improves focus. I am absolutely guilty of jumping in too soon while my daughter was playing and that just distracted her. She then lost interest in what she was doing. Let the kids play without interruptions at times!

What is your favorite product from our store?

My favorite products, by far, are the Wonder Wheel Suction Cup and Whimsical Wheel Suction Cup toys. They have been a life saver on flights! They can suction to any flat surface and our daughter played with them during each flight. Many parents are very nervous about flying and this is the perfect toy to help.

 

 

 PARENT OF THE MONTH: Attila Baynes

How old are your babies?

18 months

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Technology

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

I support my child's STEM learning with books and toys.

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

It is never to early to learn.

What is your favorite product from our store?

I like everything they have gotten so far including the Whimsical Wheel Suction Cup  &  Baby Loves Science Book

     

PARENT OF THE MONTH: Alana Gidron

Daughter: Aspen

How old is Aspen?

14 months

What STEM fields is your baby most interested in?

Science

How do you support your child's STEM learning?

I support Aspen's STEM learning by talking, reading, singing, playing, or using other ways to communicate. For example, I will make up a song about the changing leaves or as we play with blocks together I will describe the step by step what we are doing.

What advice or tips do you have for other parents trying to navigate STEM education?

The best advice I received about navigating STEM education was during the STEMinar. I was told to discover Aspen's learning style and to build our learning, play and actives on that. Discovering that Aspen is an Auditory learner has helped our activities tremendously!

What is your favorite product from our store?

Aspen's favorite items from the STEM store is the Manhattan Toy Atom Rattle and Teether (she loves putting it in her mouth) and the Rock-A-Stack first blocks Bundle. That keeps her busy!