Summer is right around the corner! While summer is an important time for rest and rejuvenation, it’s also an incredible opportunity for students to explore new interests and expand their knowledge base. For STEM learning, this can be an opportunity for struggling learners to build confidence and confident learners to discover new passions.

Incorporating learning time with family time has been shown to have a positive impact on learners of all ages. Not only does it increase attendance and graduation rates, but it also provides opportunities to develop essential social and emotional learning skills. But where to begin?

As educators, we know the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the real world. We also want them excited and engaged along the way. One sure way to achieve this is through cross-curricular integration. Cross-curricular integration is the practice of connecting a topic which is traditionally taught as a stand-alone subject - such as ELA, math, science, social studies, engineering, or computer science - to a different subject area.

As education evolves, so too does the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM education. While seemingly different areas of focus, STEM and SEL go hand in hand to create a well-rounded learning experience for students. By incorporating STEM learning into your curriculum, you can help students develop essential SEL skills like collaboration, critical thinking, perseverance, empathy, creativity, and a growth mindset.