We came across this piece in Teaching Young Children, one of NAEYC's publications and a trusted resource in early childhood education — and it lands exactly where we think the conversation should be. Before any program, before any kit, there's tinkering. And tinkering, done well, builds something that no curriculum can: the comfort with not knowing what happens next. What we love about this piece is that it starts with you — asking parents to try the activities themselves first, so they can actually understand what their child is experiencing. That's not a throwaway suggestion. It changes how you show up. Five strategies, all practical, all low-barrier. Worth bookmarking.
"Tinkering, or the playful, open-ended exploration of materials without a specific end goal, is an important part of STEM learning. It involves problem solving, creativity, hands-on learning, and more. You can help your child begin to develop science, technology, engineering, and math skills by making time to tinker at home. This includes tinkering yourself, so you can begin to understand the process and ways to encourage your child..."
Read the full article: Tinkering and Making at Home: Tips for Families
Teaching Young Children, NAEYC, Vol. 18, No. 2