Play Is How Children Learn Best

For young children, play isn’t just fun—it’s their most natural way to explore the world, practice new skills, and build confidence. Through play, kids learn to think creatively, solve problems, and develop social skills. When play involves STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), it offers even richer opportunities for growth.

STEM toys are designed to encourage curiosity, experimentation, and discovery—all of which are key to helping girls develop confidence in their abilities from a young age.

Why Early Confidence Matters

Research shows that girls often start losing confidence in STEM subjects as early as elementary school due to societal stereotypes and lack of representation. But by nurturing STEM interests early through play, we can help girls build a strong sense of “I can do this,” which fuels resilience, creativity, and future success.

When girls play with STEM toys, they’re not just learning facts; they’re practicing how to approach challenges with curiosity and persistence—skills that last a lifetime.

How STEM Toys Support Confidence Building

Here’s how STEM play specifically helps girls grow confidence:

• Encourages hands-on problem solving: Toys that invite experimentation, like building blocks or coding puzzles, let girls test ideas, make mistakes, and find solutions. Each “aha!” moment builds self-trust.
  

• Fosters a growth mindset: STEM toys show that intelligence and skills grow with effort. When a project doesn’t work the first time, kids learn to try again—boosting resilience.
  

• Offers relatable role models: Dolls like Codie the Coder®, Vera the Vet®, Astro the Astronaut®, and Maria the Mathemagician® embody diverse STEM careers and encourage girls to imagine themselves in these exciting roles.
  

• Supports social-emotional learning: Many STEM toys include positive affirmations and collaborative play, teaching empathy, teamwork, and persistence alongside technical skills.
  

Tips for Maximizing STEM Playtime

To help your child get the most out of STEM play, try these ideas:

• Celebrate effort, not just success: Praise curiosity and persistence more than “right answers.” Say things like, “I love how you kept trying!” or “Look at how you figured that out.”
  

• Encourage open-ended play: Give toys that allow multiple ways to explore, build, and experiment instead of ones with only one “correct” use.
  

• Play alongside your child: Ask questions, share your own problem-solving stories, and show excitement about their discoveries.
  

• Rotate toys to keep interest fresh: Switching between different STEM toys and activities keeps learning engaging and invites new challenges.
  

The Lasting Impact

By integrating STEM toys into playtime, you’re not just filling hours with fun—you’re helping build a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and resilience that girls carry into school and beyond. These early experiences shape how they see themselves as learners, creators, and future leaders.

When girls believe in their abilities and see STEM as an exciting, welcoming space, the possibilities are endless.

🔗 Explore STEM Dolls Codie the Coder®, Vera the Vet®, Astro the Astronaut®, and Maria the Mathemagician®

🔗 Download Our Free Early STEM Activity Guide