Many nations outpace America when it comes to math and science. Do we not teach our children math and science young enough?

Studies show not enough time in school is spent on science and math.

Recent surveys have reported that in a full class day, less than a minute is spent on math. 

Is the education system a failing industry? Many would say yes.

In the article, Math, Science Need to Be a Bigger Part of Early Childhood Education,  author, Charles Lussier highlights the importance of the sciences. 

He says schools should apply more time to the fundamentals. By focusing on math and science as well as supplementing educational practices with advancements in technology, students can be given greater opportunities to learn effectively. Especially if these aspects are incorporated as early as preschool. After all, children are able to understand complex ideas at young ages.

Preschoolers need to be exposed to more math

Preschool aged children are not being exposed to enough math. Some might be startled to learn that some students only spend—on average—58 seconds on math over the course of a six hour day. Emphasis on the STEM system is key to making a change.

There may be a pre-existing fear that exists among early educators in regards to math and science. What they may not know, is preschool is where the foundation is built for a long life of learning. That includes complex subjects such as mathematics. The more teachers are properly trained to instruct young minds on math and science—the better.

We should also start teaching students math and reading at an earlier age so they get to understand and appreciate the subjects earlier in life.

Teaching math at a young age has benefits

STEM is important for young children. However, the way it is currently taught does not help students as well as it could. For example, the teaching of math goes no further than learning numbers. Avoiding theory.

Students taught math and reading at an earlier age learn to appreciate the subjects earlier in life.

Early abilities are indicative of later abilities. So start young.

Key Takeaways:

1
There is need for more curriculum to center on math and science in preschools.
2
Studies show that less than 10% of preschool curriculum is focused on math.
3
Fear of math by educators may cause reluctance to teach the subject in preschools.

One of the strongest themes in the National Science Education Standards (NSES) is that all children can learn science and all children should have the opportunity.

Karen K. Lind makes the following points in the article, Early Childhood Science Education:

Emphasis on math and science instruction in elementary and secondary grades is almost nowhere to be found in many preschools and early childhood settings. In one study, researchers found that during a six-hour day, 58 seconds were devoted to math.

Observing a prekindergarten class for a day, researchers found 3 percent of the time was occupied by teaching math, and only 1 percent on science. Finally, when researchers covered 49 hours in six classrooms, they found math wasn't taught at all.

Brenneman’s talk, titled The Early Years Count: Why STEM Matters for Young Children, is part of a recently revived speaker series focusing on early childhood education. 

Studies have shown that the younger students are exposed to math, the higher the chances of them becoming better at the subject later in life. One of the reasons why you don’t see this taught is many preschools is because educators fear of the subject. However, there is now more of a demand for math to be more prevalent in preschools. Studies show that only 10% of preschool curriculum is focused on math.

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