There are so many different skills that children learn during play. 

To our adult brains - it’s so easy to look at children playing and think what they’re doing is silly or pointless.

BUT tust me when I say, children are learning very high-level skills during play, especially when it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

They're learning about:

1. Building & Engineering (i.e building with blocks) - Teaches balance, symmetry, spatial awareness, problem-solving and basic engineering.
   
   
2. Experimenting & Observing (i.e. baking) - Encourages scientific thinking, predictions, observation and noticing patterns.
   
   
3. Exploring Nature & the World (i.e. playing in nature) - Develops curiosity, critical thinking, counting, comparing and measuring.
   
   
4. Problem-Solving & Testing Ideas (i.e. water play) - Strengthens logic, creativity, persistence and flexible thinking.
   
   
5. Math & Measurement (i.e sorting activities) - Builds early math skills, pattern recognition, estimation and comparison.

Here are 15 fun and simple ways you can help to further develop your child’s interest and learning in STEM:

Building & Engineering ideas

• Build towers with blocks or household items like boxes
• Experiment with building the tallest tower that can stand on its own
• Use couch cushions or pillows to build forts
  

Experimenting & Observing ideas

• Water play with cups and containers for pouring and mixing - do it in the bath for mess-free play
• Sand or sensory bin play with scoops and tools
• Simple baking together and observing how ingredients change

Exploring Nature & the World ideas

• Take a short nature walk and collect leaves or rocks to compare
• Water plants and watch how they grow over time
• Observe a garden to look for worms or insects

Problem-Solving & Testing ideas

• Complete simple puzzles or matching games
• Experiment with different ways to fill and empty containers (cups, bowls, bottles)
• Explore which objects float or sink in water

Math & Measurement ideas

• Count toys during clean-up
• Sort objects by colour, size, or shape
• Help measure ingredients while cooking