Author believes even our youngest learners can embrace the joy of STEM
Author Paula Walshe
PAULA Walshe, a Carlow-based academic and mother of three, has published a book about STEM and the arts (STEAM) for preschool children.
Paula, who lives in Ballon, has a lifelong interest in pre-school education and is currently lecturing in the subject at Dundalk Institute of Education while in her final year of a PhD in early childhood education.
In her book Paula describes what STEAM – an acronym of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths – is. She suggests many activity ideas to support even the youngest learners to have fun while learning all about STEM and the arts.
She reckons that early childhood educators have a fear of introducing technology into their education centres because they associate technology with screens and computers, but this doesn’t need to be the case.
“In the book. I suggest using technology that’s unplugged or not digital, even something like using a torch. We’re not talking about using iPads or anything like that,” said Paula.
There are hundreds of activities for youngsters to take part in, fun games and little experiments that will pique a young child’s imagination, while also teaching them basic elements of STEAM. Paula is passionate about her subject and wants to spread the word about how important it is to teach tots about the world through elements of STEAM.
“Over the last number of years there has been significant focus placed upon STEM and STEAM within our education system, especially with a view to encouraging more girls into these areas,” added Paula.
“However, initiatives to promote STEM areas only really target children from primary school age. If you think about recent Space Week initiatives or even Science or Maths week, educational resources and outreach activities mostly target children in primary school and above. I would like to remind the Department of Education and those who plan for these initiatives, to remember that even our youngest learners in pre-school and early childhood education are interested in and capable of learning about STEM and STEAM. It’s just about providing activities and materials for them which are age appropriate.”
Paula’s book is published by Boru Press and is available on their website priced €23.99, while it’s also available on Amazon.
