This post is sponsored by hoopla digital. However, all statements and opinions are authentic and my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Whether you’re a teacher, a homeschooler, or even just a parent of a child in preschool or elementary school, you’ve likely had an encounter with STEAM education. If not STEAM, then surely you’ve bumped into her “older brother,” STEM, who’s been around a while longer.
STEAM and STEM are both “related.” They are both philosophies of education. They both prescribe to integrated learning, combining learning subjects versus focusing on only one at a time. And they both champion authentic, hands-on learning.
More obviously, they both share a few letters. While STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, STEAM adds in an “A,” which is a very important “A” as far as this former-art-teacher is concerned.
What does STEAM stand for?
* science * technology * engineering * ART * math *
To say I’m a fan of the STEAM learning approach is an understatement. No, I don’t think art needs any other subjects to have value. But, I do believe exposing young children to art’s connections to other disciplines and, therefore, to their everyday world is essential to their creative development. Plus, its great for fostering authentic learning across those other disciplines, too.
So, jump on the STEAM train, mama! Today, November 8th, is the perfect day: National STEAM Day!
I know, I know. If you’re like me (ahem… not so tech- or math-savvy), it may seem a bit overwhelming or even scary. But, it’s a fun ride!
And, I’ve discovered a super-cool, easy STEAM learning solution that’s perfect for you…
Super-Simple STEAM Resources for Parents
This solution couldn’t have come at a better time for me. My daughter, Priscilla, had just started homeschooling again, fairly abruptly. I was way more than knee-deep in a huge work project with an impending deadline. And, I had just realized how terribly I had been slacking in the homework reading department with my little guy, J.C.
Then, along came hoopla!
And, with one touch of an app on my smartphone, or a click of the mouse on the laptop, we had access to thousands of kids’ STEAM eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music, and television shows.
hoopla partners with public libraries across North America to provide online and mobile access to all of this valuable content for instant-borrowing and streaming. All you need is a library card!
Honestly, I was, myself, impressed with all the content available, not just the great STEAM collection. But, the STEAM collection is remarkable! And, hoopla gives me the option to set my account to KIDS MODE so it’s kid-friendly and safe for my kiddos to independently find new STEAM resources to learn from.
One of Priscilla’s first homeschool “assignments?” Lead her little brother in his nightly reading homework using hoopla!
I honestly thought they would both balk at this, as reading isn’t a favorite of either of them. But, after swiping through all the great children’s eBooks on hoopla, they were off and reading. And even giggling, too!
hoopla Makes STEAM Easy!
hoopla digital has recently made a huge investment in STEAM education content so they are able to provide an extensive range of STEAM-themed titles. They’ve become the learning provider of STEAM resources for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers.
They’ve recently added titles from Rosen Publishing Inc. Some are even exclusive to hoopla, like the New York Times Looking Forward series, the Disney Coding Adventure series and The Great Courses series.
I’m thrilled to have hoopla as an educational STEAM resource for our new adventure in homeschooling. But hoopla is also great for any parent who just wants to add some science, tech, engineering, art, and math learning to their child’s day.
STEAM Resources for Parents – on hoopla
We’ve only been using hoopla for a few weeks now, and I already urge you to go check it out for your kids and family. Visit hoopladigital.com to sign up and start borrowing great STEAM resources today! Then, make sure to stop back here and let me know what STEAM resources you find that your kids are loving. Hmm… maybe we should start a hoopla STEAM kids book club…?
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More Learning Resources for Parents & Kids:
- Fun Finds for Kids – The Best STEM Toys
- What Do Kids Learn in Preschool? + 24 Activities, Too!
- What Do Kids Learn in Kindergarten? + 24 Activities, Too!
- Seriously Fun Sensory Toys and Games
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