# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Phonemic Awareness

Phonics is a fundamental part of learning to read the English language. It is the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their spellings (graphemes).

Through phonics, children can improve their:

pronunciation

spelling

literacy

comprehension

vocabulary

Fun with phonics

Phonics.com is a FREE online reading program that teaches phonics for children in kindergarten and up. Learning with Phonics.com is a colorful combination of words, sounds, images, practice and play. Each lesson focuses on a different group of consonant and vowel phonemes, with sound cards to show the relationship between letters and pictures.

Free phonics resources

Free worksheets and online activities help kids review their skills before moving on to the next lesson. These free resources are also perfect for teachers to use in the classroom or as part of their lesson plans.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fly with Phonics - Teach and learn how to read through Phonics reading program

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn to read and improve your child's english skills through Phonics. Access free resources and start practicing with your child through Phonics. Suitable for children in Kindergarten or up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
OU Researchers and research students have access to a world class collection of online resources, a document delivery service, and guidance on skills development.

How to register for a library card to borrow books from the library building on the campus in Milton Keynes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
OU Researchers and research students have access to a world class collection of online resources, a document delivery service, and guidance on skills development. How to register for a library card to borrow books from the library building on the campus in Milton Keynes.

# data[].attributes.body
MATHELETICS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For teachers, automated marking and student progress reports are the essential formative assessment tools you need. Planning, homework and revision is simple - it only takes seconds to set activities, view progress and check results. In fact, the number-one reason over 200,000 teachers love Mathletics is because it saves time and is easy to use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The world's leading online math program Transform the way your students learn math with Mathletics, the world's leading online math program that builds confidence through personalized learning, exciting games and mastery challenges. Get started in minutes, at home or in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
SEESAW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Elementary Learning Experience Platform | Seesaw

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Seesaw is a Learning Experience Platform with 25M+ users, enhancing elementary education, engagement, and school culture while improving academic success.

# data[].attributes.body
STEMS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(Image credit: Portra via Getty Images)

STEM education is a teaching approach that combines science, technology, engineering and math. Its recent successor, STEAM, also incorporates the arts, which have the "ability to expand the limits of STEM education and application," according to Stem Education Guide. STEAM is designed to encourage discussions and problem-solving among students, developing both practical skills and appreciation for collaborations, according to the Institution for Art Integration and STEAM.

Rather than teach the five disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEAM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

According to the U.S. Department of Education "In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it's more important than ever that our nation's youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions."

In 2009, the Obama administration announced the " Educate to Innovate" campaign to motivate and inspire students to excel in STEAM subjects. This campaign also addresses the inadequate number of teachers skilled to educate in these subjects.

The Department of Education now offers a number of STEM-based programs, including research programs with a STEAM emphasis, STEAM grant selection programs and general programs that support STEAM education.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $141 million in new grants and $437 million to continue existing STEAM projects a breakdown of grants can be seen in their investment report.

The importance of STEM and STEAM education

(Image credit: selimaksan via Getty Images)

STEAM education is crucial to meet the needs of a changing world. According to an article from iD Tech, millions of STEAM jobs remain unfilled in the U.S., therefore efforts to fill this skill gap are of great importance. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a projected growth of STEAM-related occupations of 10.5% between 2020 and 2030 compared to 7.5% in non-STEAM-related occupations. The median wage in 2020 was also higher in STEAM occupations ($89,780) compared to non-STEAM occupations ($40,020).

Between 2014 and 2024, employment in computer occupations is projected to increase by 12.5 percent between 2014 and 2024, according to a STEAM occupation report. With projected increases in STEAM-related occupations, there needs to be an equal increase in STEAM education efforts to encourage students into these fields otherwise the skill gap will continue to grow.

STEAM jobs do not all require higher education or even a college degree. Less than half of entry-level STEAM jobs require a bachelor's degree or higher, according to skills gap website Burning Glass Technologies. However, a four-year degree is incredibly helpful with salary - the average advertised starting salary for entry-level STEAM jobs with a bachelor's requirement was 26 percent higher than jobs in the non-STEAM fields.. For every job posting for a bachelor's degree recipient in a non-STEAM field, there were 2.5 entry-level job postings for a bachelor's degree recipient in a STEAM field.

STEAM blended learning

What separates STEAM from traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real-world applications of problem-solving. As mentioned before, STEAM education begins while students are very young:

Elementary school - STEAM education focuses on the introductory level STEAM courses, as well as awareness of the STEAM fields and occupations. This initial step provides standards-based structured inquiry-based and real-world problem-based learning, connecting all four of the STEAM subjects. The goal is to pique students' interest into them wanting to pursue the courses, not because they have to. There is also an emphasis placed on bridging in-school and out-of-school STEAM learning opportunities.

Middle school - At this stage, the courses become more rigorous and challenging. Student awareness of STEAM fields and occupations is still pursued, as well as the academic requirements of such fields. Student exploration of STEAM-related careers begins at this level, particularly for underrepresented populations.

High school - The program of study focuses on the application of the subjects in a challenging and rigorous manner. Courses and pathways are now available in STEAM fields and occupations, as well as preparation for post-secondary education and employment. More emphasis is placed on bridging in-school and out-of-school STEAM opportunities.

Much of the STEAM curriculum is aimed toward attracting underrepresented populations. There is a significant disparity in the female to male ratio when it comes to those employed in STEAM fields, according to Stem Women. Approximately 1 in 4 STEAM graduates is female.

(Image credit: SolStock via Getty Images)

Inequalities in STEAM education

Ethnically, people from Black backgrounds in STEAM education in the UK have poorer degree outcomes and lower rates of academic career progression compared to other ethnic groups, according to a report from The Royal Society. Although the proportion of Black students in STEAM higher education has increased over the last decade, they are leaving STEAM careers at a higher rate compared to other ethnic groups.

"These reports highlight the challenges faced by Black researchers, but we also need to tackle the wider inequalities which exist across our society and prevent talented people from pursuing careers in science." President of the Royal Society, Sir Adrian Smith said.

Asian students typically have the highest level of interest in STEAM. According to the Royal Society report in 2018/19 18.7% of academic staff in STEAM were from ethnic minority groups, of these groups 13.2% were Asian compared to 1.7% who were Black.

Additional resources

If you want to learn more about why STEAM is so important check out this informative article from the University of San Diego. Explore some handy STEAM education teaching resources courtesy of the Resilient Educator. Looking for tips to help get children into STEAM? Forbes has got you covered.

Bibliography

Lee, Meggan J., et al. 'If you aren't White, Asian or Indian, you aren't an engineer': racial microaggressions in STEM education." International Journal of STEM Education 7.1 (2020): 1-16.

STEM Occupations: Past, Present, And Future. Stella Fayer, Alan Lacey, and Audrey Watson. A report. 2017.

Institution for Art Integration and STEAM What is STEAM education?

Barone, Ryan, 'The state of STEM education told through 18 stats', iD Tech.

U.S. Department of Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, including Computer Science.

'STEM sector must step up and end unacceptable disparities in Black staff', The Royal Society. A report, March 25, 2021.

'Percentages of Women in STEM Statistics' Stemwomen.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
STEM education, now also known as STEAM, is a teaching approach that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

# data[].attributes.body
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Latest from the Department for Education

The Department for Education is responsible for children's services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

DfE is a ministerial department, supported by 18 agencies and public bodies.

Read more about what we do

Contact DfE

Make an FOI request

1. Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request.

2. Check our previous releases to see if we've already answered your question.

3. Make a new request by contacting us using the details below.

High profile groups within DfE

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Department for Education is responsible for children's services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. DfE is a ministerial department, supported by 18 agencies and public bodies .

# data[].attributes.body
BBC BITESIZE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use BBC Bitesize to help with your homework, revision and learning from KS1 to GCSE. Find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes.

# data[].attributes.body
OXFORD OWL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find out more

Caution:

You are viewing this site in an unsupported browser. See our browser support page for more information.

Discover expert advice, educational resources and free eBooks to support children's learning at primary school and at home, from Oxford University Press.

Oxford Owl for School

Teaching resources and
expert school improvement support

Award-winning subscriptions and leadership support

Professional Development and best practice advice

Free teaching resources and eBooks

Oxford Owl for Home

Free resources to support learning at home

Advice and support for parents

Educational activities and games

Free eBook library for 3- to 11-year-olds

We're sorry ...

We can't process new registrations at the moment. Please try again later.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover expert advice, educational resources and free eBooks to support children's learning at primary school and at home, from Oxford University Press.

# data[].attributes.body
TWINKL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Twinkl Educational Publishing | LinkedIn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Twinkl Educational Publishing | 57,642 followers on LinkedIn. We help those who teach. | Trusted by teaching communities worldwide, Twinkl provides instant access to a complete range of teaching, planning and assessment materials to support learning from birth.

# data[].attributes.body
OPEN UNIVERSITY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The OU was founded to open up higher education to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Our mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas-and as such, equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. Our continued dedication to social justice ... and equality of opportunity is embodied in our vision and principles:

Our vision of a fair and just society

We are creating an inclusive university community and a society where:

People are treated with dignity and respect

Inequalities are challenged

We anticipate, and respond positively to, different needs and circumstances so that everyone can achieve their potential

Our equality and diversity principles

We value diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.

We believe that discrimination or exclusion based on individual characteristics and circumstances, such as age; disability; caring or dependency responsibilities; gender or gender identity; marriage and civil partnership status; political opinion; pregnancy and maternity; race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin; religion or belief; sexual orientation; socio-economic background; trade union membership status or other distinctions, represents a waste of talent and a denial of opportunity for self-fulfilment.

We recognise that patterns of under-representation and differences in outcomes at The Open University can be challenged through positive action programmes.

We respect the rights of individuals, including the right to hold different views and beliefs. We will not allow these differences to be manifested in a way that is hostile or degrading to others.

We expect commitment and involvement from all our staff, students, partners and providers of goods and services in working towards the achievement of our vision.

To read our equality scheme in the full or abbreviated version, or to find out more about equality and diversity at The Open University, visit the Equality and Diversity Website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The OU was founded to open up higher education to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Our mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas-and as such, equality and diversity are at the heart of everything we do. Our continued dedication to social justice ...

# data[].attributes.body
SPELLING SHED

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spelling Shed Overview

Spelling Shed has designed a spelling curriculum for grades K-5 that takes a structured literacy approach to learning new words. Our approach is based on research that shows many students benefit from a structured literacy approach. According to the Iowa Reading Research Center, "Structured Literacy is explicit, systematic teaching that focuses on phonological awareness, word recognition, phonics and decoding, spelling, and syntax at the sentence and paragraph levels."

Each grade level includes 36 weekly word lists that follow specific letter and sound patterns including digraphs, trigraphs, prefixes, suffixes, homophones and more. We also include Challenge word lists that have students apply previously learned knowledge. Our curriculum aligns with current ELA standards.

For districts that already have word lists or follow a word study curriculum, teachers can easily import those spelling word lists to use with Spelling Shed. We also feature ready made lists of popular reading series including HMH Journeys® and McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders®. We also provide traditional sight based word lists like Dolch and Fry along with regional based spelling lists like UIL for Texas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Spelling Shed has designed a spelling curriculum for grades K-5 that takes a structured literacy approach to learning new words. Our approach is based on research that shows many students benefit from a structured literacy approach.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Times Tables Rock Stars – Times Tables Rock Stars

# data[].attributes.body
READING EGGS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
That is what Reading Eggs Junior is all about!

With funny animation, toddler games and preschool activities, your child will be entertained as they learn.

A huge library of read-aloud books, alphabet games, songs and phonemic awareness activities keep children learning about words, sounds and letters.

We guarantee your child will love Reading Eggs Junior, and you will love to see them learning!
Register now to start your FREE trial!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
That is what Reading Eggs Junior is all about! With funny animation, toddler games and preschool activities, your child will be entertained as they learn. A huge library of read-aloud books, alphabet games, songs and phonemic awareness activities keep children learning about words, sounds and letters.