If you think that your child is too young to participate in STEM activities, we are here to tell you that there are so many STEM options geared towards two-year-olds! While providing fun and learning opportunities, STEM activities also help build mental and physical skills to aid your child’s development. But what is STEM, and how can you get your child involved? We have you covered!
What is STEM?
STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) was introduced in 2001 and became popular in the classroom and at daycares. STEM allows teachers to combine these four subjects into one program, encouraging kids of all ages to use everything they have learned to execute fun and exciting projects. Any combination of two or more of these pillars makes for a great STEM activity for your two-year-old.
The Benefits of STEM for Your 2-Year-Old
STEM activities and learning in early childhood can positively impact literacy, language development, and math skills, making it easier to succeed throughout life. Providing these multisensory experiences allows your child to learn, grow, and thrive starting at a young age.
Allowing children to explore these different disciplines from such an early age helps them build a foundation of learning they will carry with them for years. When purchasing a STEM toy or activity for your two-year-old, consider the durability and age limit. We have compiled some of our favorite options to share!
Our 5 Favorite STEM Toys for 2-Year-Olds
- Magnetic 3D Building Tiles
- Playskool Explore N’ Grow Busy Gears
- LEGO Duplo Bricks
- Matching Egg Set
- Kiwi Co Koala Crate
Magnetic 3D Building Tiles Are All the Rage
These building magnets have continued to take over households, providing hours of imaginative entertainment for kids. These magnetic tiles allow your child to learn about magnets while creating buildings, cars, towers, or anything they want. The tiles are incredibly durable and help your child learn about coordination. They are easy for kids to share and use together. The building options are endless, and the kids love them.
Playskool Explore N’ Grow Busy Gears STEM Toy
This busy gears toy is an excellent option for teaching your child about independent play. There are no small pieces, so parents will have peace of mind having it around their little ones. Promoting fine motor skills and cause and effect, toddlers can place the gears, move them around, and spin them to watch them all move together while producing light and sound effects. This is one of our favorites for a reason!
LEGO Duplo Bricks
If your child isn’t interested in the magnetic tiles, we highly recommend the LEGO Duplo Bricks. These bricks are larger than the standard LEGO, come in a variety of bright colors, and allow for problem-solving, creativity, and learning. Let your toddler entertain themselves for hours building a house while they learn how to fit the pieces together. You will be blown away by some of the things your two-year-old can create.
Matching Egg Set STEM Toy
A fundamental STEM toy, this is one of the best there is. Twelve colorful, plastic eggs come in a plastic egg carton for safekeeping. When the eggs are split apart, they show off brightly colored centers with interlocking shapes. This egg set allows your child to practice their problem solving as the egg cannot close without the proper match. It also improves their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Kiwi Co Koala Crate
While this isn’t a STEM toy, we had to make sure we added it to the list. This is a subscription box geared towards two-year-olds. Each month a new box is delivered to your door with activities and instructions for your little one to complete. All boxes also have a theme and often include a book! They focus on all aspects of STEM, allowing your child to expand their knowledge and skills with something new every month.
STEM has continued to be at the forefront of kids’ education, but that shouldn’t start in the classroom. So do your research and grab some of our favorite toys and bring STEM into your two-year-old’s life. You will have fun teaching them, helping them, and watching them grow and thrive as they continue to learn new things and expand their knowledge.