Choosing the Right STEM Program for Your Child

If your child has shown an interest in STEM topics, it’s time to choose the right STEM program to get them on their way. But it can be difficult to determine which program will best suit their needs. What works for one family may not necessarily be the best fit for another. At MakerKids, we are committed to helping families find the right coding, robotics, and Minecraft programs for their children. Read on to discover useful tips to help you choose the right STEM program for your child.

How to Choose the Right STEM Program for Your Child

Explore Interests

Some children love to invent new things through robotics, while others prefer coding as their roadmap to innovation. Whatever the case, ask your child which area they prefer so you know what direction to go. If they have an interest in different areas, even better! Let them explore all of them so they can find their favorite.

Consider Geographic Needs

For many parents, the location of the program plays a big role in the type of STEM program they choose for their child. Decide if an in-person or virtual environment would be most convenient and which would best suit your child. From there, you can find a host of programs that offer both options. At MakerKids, we provide both in-person and virtual instruction so we can reach a wide range of students at all age levels.

Consult Other Families

What better way to learn about a STEM program than to ask families who have already experienced one? Talk to parents and have your children talk to their peers to discover what they liked most about their programs so that you can decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Look for Hands-On Activities

One of the many things that draw kids to the world of STEM is that they get to work with their hands. They are allowed to create whatever they can envision and quickly learn that the sky’s the limit.

Check for Age-Appropriate Classes

Nothing is worse than having your child be bored in a class because it’s too easy or get frustrated because the lessons are too hard. When it comes to STEM classes, look for classes that are geared for your child’s age group. You want your child to work with children who are at the same level. Whether they are a beginner or advanced, look for programs that will challenge them, but also allow them to work at their level.

Consider Frequency

How often does your child want to attend a STEM program? Daily afterschool? Weekly? Talk to your child so you know how frequently they want to attend so you can find a program that fits this need.

Do Your Homework

As you narrow down your search for STEM programs, look at the background of each one. Look to see how long they’ve been around and what qualifications their instructors have. You want your child to work with someone who is educated and experienced in their field. Also, look to see that the company does background checks on its employees. This is especially important for those working with children. Look to see what the teacher-to-student ratio is so that your child will receive the attention they need.

STEM Classes at MakerKids

MakerKids offers STEM classes in robotics, coding, and Minecraft for kids in grades 3-8. There are also mini-makers classes for kids in grades 1-2.

Here’s a quick look at what our classes include:

Coding

In our coding classes, kids learn everything they need to code their own games. This includes topics like animation, character development, level design, and beta testing. Classes are skill-level appropriate ranging from beginner to advanced.

Robotics

Our robotics classes teach kids how to wire up circuits, make virtual lights work, and code a virtual “robot brain”. In these classes, they make their inventions come to life!

Minecraft

Kids learn STEM topics like robotics and coding through the Minecraft game. They quickly learn how much STEM is a part of this popular game.

Mini-Makers

Mini-Makers classes are geared to kids in grades 1-2. These classes introduce little ones to the world of STEM. Children learn about robotics and coding as well as how to design their own video games, make robots, and try other experiments.

If you want to learn more about our classes call us today at 416-385-3577 or contact us online.