Children learn the most from birth to age five. Early education will give them the best start possible. It is essential to provide young children with opportunities for hands-on learning. Science experiments for preschool-aged students should include simple steps without overly scientific explanations. Results they can see and experiments they can interact with will provide them with the best learning experiences.
Why Science In Preschool Is Important
The National Science Teachers Association stresses that an early scientific foundation fosters children’s engagement and success throughout the school years and beyond. Introducing children to scientific concepts and ideas during the preschool years aids in scientific learning later on. It also helps children build essential skills in conceptual understanding. Children can engage in scientific learning through play and simple experiments.
Children Experiment Through Play
Children in preschool are discovering scientific concepts throughout their day. They may not realize the science behind their discoveries if an adult is not there to help guide them. When children play, they discover their environment. Allowing children to explore, play, and make these discoveries is vital for their education and development.
Preschool Science Experiments At Home
Whether or not your child already attends school outside the home, there are simple experiments you can do with them on an everyday basis. Every day is an opportunity for exploration and discovery in a young child’s world. You can take advantage of your child’s natural curiosity by promoting hands-on learning often.
Here are just a few ideas you can try at home:
Water Play
Most toddlers and young children enjoy playing in water. You have probably noticed them interacting with water by playing with toys in the bathtub or using a water table. Having them identify which items float and which items sink can help pique their curiosity and prompt them to ask questions.
Making Shadow Puppets
Another great opportunity for learning through play is making shadow puppets and putting on a show. This can help children in preschool formulate realizations about light, dark, and shadows. There is no need to over-explain the science behind the activity. By simply playing, children make observations and develop lifelong skills.
Planting Seeds
Planting a seed and watching it sprout and grow allows your preschooler to make observations over a longer period. This is a wonderful science experiment because children will have fun planting, watering, and observing the results of their care each day. Not only does this experiment teach scientific concepts, but it can also help children learn patience: another essential skill they will need throughout their lives.
Recording The Weather
Children in preschool can learn about the seasons and weather patterns by observing and recording the weather each day. They can identify whether it is sunny or cloudy, hot or cold, windy, rainy, or snowy. They will enjoy recording this information on a calendar each morning. This ongoing experiment can also help with providing a predictable routine if done at the same time every day. Routines can better structure the day and let young children know what to expect.
Preschool Science Education In Tamarac, Florida
Doing these fun experiments with your child at home can help them foster a love for learning and inspire curiosity. JLP Inspiring Minds understands the importance of early learning and strives to help preschoolers achieve a love for learning at an early age.
Our Preschool Curriculum is designed to address the specific developmental needs of children in preschool. Our Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum incorporates hands-on learning through scientific exploration, engagement, and interactions.
Contact us at 954-933-2982 to learn more about high-quality preschool education.