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Empowering Patients Through STEM Activities
The Shining Star School is one of many ways our compassionate team helps patients maintain a normal routine while at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Our teachers communicate with the child’s school to coordinate assignments and lessons and ensure they do not fall behind while in the Hospital. Often, our teachers will incorporate STEM activities — science, technology, engineering and math — to spark an excitement for learning. “Our job is to bridge educational gaps and provide a different style of teaching. Learning about patients’ interests is one way we can encourage conversation and come up with a STEM activity to expand their interests and motivate them to experience new things,” says Brenda Wilson, one of three Shining Star School teachers.
Children can learn to apply STEM concepts in real-life situations by engaging in hands-on experiments and projects. STEM activities are offered bedside or in the classroom, depending on the patient’s treatment plan. Activities are offered for all ages and developmental levels.
STEM projects have several benefits for children admitted to the Hospital. Engaging in STEM activities can provide a sense of normalcy and distraction from their medical condition, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also provide a creative outlet for self-expression and boost self-esteem. Additionally, STEM projects can stimulate cognitive development, problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities. These activities can also foster a sense of curiosity and love for learning, which can benefit children’s overall educational journey.
