7 Misconceptions Regarding STEM Toys!

There are many misconceptions people have about these toys, so let’s explore some of the biggest ones! With so many misconceptions and myths about STEM toys, it’s no wonder parents are apprehensive when shopping for them. Whether you’re looking for a gift or just want to invest in some educational fun time with your kids, we hope the points below will help you make an informed decision as well as dispel any preconceived notions of what these toys can be. 

In general, there is a misconception that these toys are only for boys. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, studies show that girls enjoy them just as much as boys do and can benefit from their use even more than males.  The benefits of playing with these toys include increased attention span and improved problem-solving skills which in turn leads to an improved ability to learn new concepts later on in life. There are also many misconceptions regarding what types of these toys exist out there today- below we’ll discuss 7 different examples:

1. All these toys are educational

Just because a toy has the word “STEM” in it, doesn’t mean that it is automatically educational. Some STEM toys are purely for fun and don’t have an educational purpose whatsoever. So if you’re looking for a toy that will help teach your child a specific subject, make sure to read the description carefully before making a purchase.

2. Only high-income families can afford these toys

This may have been true in the past, but today there are many affordable options when it comes to these toys. In fact, there are now many toy companies that specialize in these types of toys, so there’s definitely something for everyone out there no matter what your budget is. 

3. These toys are meant to replace traditional toys

STEM toys were never intended to replace traditional toys by any means. They exist for the purpose of stimulating children’s brains and providing them with an educational experience that they wouldn’t otherwise get playing outside or reading books by themselves.

4. These toys can only be played with indoors

This is another common misconception that couldn’t be further from the truth! There are many different types of these toys that can also double as outdoor activities- like this wooden fishing game, for example, that would make the perfect gift for your child if he/she enjoys spending time outdoors exploring nature.

5. All STEM games require batteries

Just because a toy requires batteries doesn’t automatically mean it’s a STEM game. In fact, there are many different types of these toys that don’t require batteries for play- like this wooden puzzle set that can be played with indoors or outside in the garden!

6. STEM games are all Teaching based

Many people perceive STEM games to be solely focused on teaching children while they play. However, while some examples do teach specific concepts, others simply exist for entertainment purposes while still providing your child with an educational experience.

7. All STEM games/toys are complex and difficult to understand

The final misconception is that all these toys/games are overly complicated and difficult to learn how to use. Fortunately, that’s not true either as many of them can be learned very quickly without any help from adults. In fact, some of them are so intuitive to use that even a 1-year old would have no trouble figuring out how to play with it on his/her own!

There you have it- seven misconceptions regarding the topic of STEM toys! Hopefully, this article helped you better understand what they are and how they can be used by children.  So if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift for your little one, don’t forget to consider a STEM toy!

These toys are designed to help children cultivate their natural curiosity and develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. They can be educational if they teach a skill or introduce new concepts but not all of them have the same goal. You may need different types for your child depending on what he or she is interested in learning about. For example, we’ve found that many games focused on teaching kids how to code might require some computer knowledge as well as patience from both parent and child alike. We want you to know that there are plenty of other options out there too! 

Wind up: STEM toys are a popular choice for parents who want to ensure their children have the best chance of success in an increasingly digital world. In this blog post, we’ve debunked some misconceptions about these toys and given you some useful information on how they can be used effectively at home or in your classroom. We hope that with our help, more people will understand what these toys offer and why choosing them is such a great idea!