How to Teach Preschoolers To Think Like an Engineer in 3 Easy Steps

Young children love to explore and figure out how things work.

They naturally think like engineers, which is why STEAM activities for preschoolers is a great way to stretch their thinking skills.

STEAM represents the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Teaching children how to think creatively and learning to be problem solvers is how we can prepare our children for the future. No matter what unknown technologies, industries or careers lay ahead, creative problem solvers will be the innovators in their field.

How do we solve problems?

The Engineer Design process is a framework for solving problems.

The steps of the framework help you create a unique solution to the problem you are trying to solve. Engineers and designers use this framework to come up with innovative answers to our everyday problems.

Here is an example of the engineer design process (borrowed from our sister site, Innovation Kids Lab).

1. Ask
2. Imagine
3. Plan
4. Create
5. Experiment
6. Improve
7. Share

But how does this framework look for preschoolers?

We have simplified the framework into three important steps for young thinkers.

1. Think – What is the problem?
2. Create – Build your plan
3. Share– Share your results

This framework is a great starting point in how to model thinking like an engineer!

When introducing the framework to young children model how to think out loud and go through the steps with your children.

Start with identifying the problem. Ask, “what is the problem”

Our STEAM Storytime challenges are a great place to start with introducing age-appropriate problems, like our build an alphabet tree inspired by Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 

Brainstorm different ideas of what may work to solve the problem.

Once you have identified what the problem is and you have brainstormed ideas. Select your idea and build/create/make it!

Test your idea.

Does it work?

What can you do to make it better?

Share your results!

How can you communicate your idea to others?

The engineer design process can be used and modeled for young thinkers!

You can help build the future today by introducing the engineer design process to your young learners.

For more engineering for preschoolers check out: