In today’s world, electronics are ubiquitous and it can be challenging to limit our children’s screen time. However, it’s crucial to control the time our kids spend with electronic devices and encourage them to engage in play that promotes learning while having fun. As a parent, you may be wondering how you can strike a balance between electronic devices and other forms of play. This is where PicassoTiles toys come in handy!
PicassoTiles is a STEM-backed and art-faced company that offers countless STEM toys for kids at reasonable prices. All of our kids' STEM toys are screen-free, encourage open-play, and can be used everywhere. In this post, we’ll share five ways parents can encourage STEM play with their kids using PicassoTiles magnetic toys.
-
Start with the Basics
Give your child a set of PicassoTiles magnetic building tiles and let them experiment with building structures. They can learn about shapes, colors, and patterns while developing their fine motor skills. With time they can create more complex structures that require problem-solving skills.
-
Introduce Complex Sets
Once your child has a grasp of the basic concepts, you can introduce them to complex sets such as the race car tracks or marble run tiles. These kids' STEM toys offer more challenges that require creativity and imagination making them a perfect opportunity for STEM learning.
-
Incorporate Technology Use
To strike a balance between electronic devices and toys, there is opportunity to integrate the two. PicassoTiles offers sets that can be combined with smartphones or tablets for augmented reality play. Additionally, you can turn on the flashlight of your smartphone and shine the light through the tiles to create an exciting experience for your child. By incorporating technology, your child can learn about science, engineering, and math concepts while having fun. This integration not only helps limit screen time but also enhances the learning experience by combining traditional toy play with modern technology.
-
Encourage Collaboration
STEM play isn’t about building structures or solving problems. It’s also about collaboration and communication. Encourage your child to play with friends or siblings, where they can share their ideas and learn from each other.
-
Take Playing Outside
It’s essential to encourage your child to play outdoors and explore their surroundings, in a safe environment of course. You can take PicassoTiles sets outside and create structures or mazes in the grass or on the sidewalk. This type of play promotes physical activity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. STEM play has more impact than you may think and it might be beneficial later down in your children’s lives, “...These days, knowledge changes so rapidly, particularly in STEM, that most information is quickly out-of-date. Instead, we need to help kids become “creative problem solvers,” which, according to Harvard education expert Tony Wagner, is what 21st-century employers really need—and struggle to find. ‘ soe online.american.edu.
In conclusion, it’s essential to find a balance between screen time and other forms of play that promote learning and creativity. PicassoTiles toys offer an excellent opportunity for STEM play, where your child can learn while having fun. By incorporating these five tips, you can encourage your child to explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and develop a love for STEM.
We all use electronics now, and our children are no exception. However, with the right balance and encouragement, parents can provide their children with opportunities for learning and creativity outside of electronic devices. Learning to balance both can be challenging but PicassoTiles offers a fun and engaging way to promote STEM play in children and with these five tips, parents can foster their child’s curiosity and love for learning.
