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Bear Hugs: Engaging With the Grandkids Thinking Outside the Box

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Teaching children to be resilient is something most adults strive to do. Whether we are parents, grandparents, or teachers we know that children who are resilient will prosper. The dictionary de nes resiliency as being able to adjust quickly to change.

Educators across the country are involving their students in STEM activities. When learning is integrated it creates greater understanding and the ability to discover and see the bigger ideas that come with basic knowledge. Children are automatically curious and usually ask great questions when presented with a challenge. With those experiences children become more comfortable in solving daily problems.

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Several fun STEM questions might be: ast week olunteered at afford iddle chool’s cience ight. We talked with students about balance. They were gi en paper butter ies or acrobats. After attaching a toothpick or paper clips, they worked to balance the object on their ngertip. Without gi ing answers, we asked uestions to help them explore the possibilities? Another group was making Play-Doh and as the children squeezed and manipulated the material they observed the changes.

1. If you could build a car out of any material, what would it be?

2. If you measured yourself in marbles, how tall would you be?

3. If you were in the jungle and needed to communicate with animals what could you use?

After children and adults brainstorm answers, more questions might arise that teach reasoning skills and problem solving skills grow stronger. Children develop skills in communication, critical thinking, decision making, and a willingness to accept failure and to try again. I have found this to be a great activity when transporting children before and after school or to other activities. They even enjoy coming up with the next question. And they never fail to amaze me at how innovative they become.

Cooking with children always brings interest and enthusiasm. If you enjoy cooking you can engage STEM skills whether making jello or boiling eggs. Discover these ideas and many other fun activities on line to enjoy with your children.

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