For young kids, learning science isn’t something parents should force as it’s natural for children to wonder, explore and discover. However, despite every child’s natural curiosity to learn more about the world around them, it is even more helpful if they are further encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and express their reasoning. Embracing science isn’t only important because it’s part of the school’s curriculum. It is crucial because it promotes a child’s critical thinking as well as their problem-solving skills. So, how do you raise a science-minded child? Here are some helpful tips you might find handy.
Encourage early exploration
Young children are naturally curious. It is during the early stages of their childhood that they begin to comprehend the world around them. Therefore, parents are strongly encouraged to foster their kids’ curiosity by providing them with more opportunities to explore. Make your home a place that will encourage your child to channel their inner scientist. Encourage more questions, and don’t make them feel bad if they ask too many questions.
Bond over sci-fi movies
Movie time is family time! Make this bonding activity a fun learning experience for your little one by choosing kid-friendly sci-fi movies. You can also encourage them to pick which movies they’d like to watch. Doing this will help open their minds and trigger their imagination!
Take them on a science field trip
Another exciting activity you can try is to take them on a science field trip. This doesn’t have to be exactly the same as the field trips organized by schools. It can be any trip that infuses learning about science. For example, you can spend one weekend at a zoo and the next weekend in a museum. A trip to the beach can also be a science field trip if you incorporate simple science lessons. For example, you can discuss the 3 states of matter and use water, sand and wind as perfect examples.
By being creative, you’ll be able to help them learn and see science concepts applied in real life.
Make use of technology
Instead of taking away your child’s gadgets which might only trigger rebellion, turn their love for technology into something useful and educational. Install apps and games that teach kids about science. Use these devices as educational tools that can further harness your child’s inner scientist. Let them watch kid-friendly science videos and experiments. The next thing you know, they’ll ask you to try those experiments with you at home!
If your little one is fond of watching TV, consider investing in channels like Discovery Kids and National Geographic. These programs are extremely helpful in explaining science concepts at a level that’s easy for young kids to understand.
Conduct experiments
Experiments are an excellent way to make it easy for children to comprehend scientific concepts. They give a simple explanation of how the world operates. They also further stimulate a child’s curiosity and foster resourcefulness and creative thinking.
Look on the internet and you’ll find plenty of simple yet exciting science experiments that your child will love!
Patiently answer their questions
Don’t get frustrated when your child keeps asking endless questions. In fact, it’s something you should be happy about. When a child asks a lot of questions, it means that they are curious and want to learn. Do not shut them down as they might stop asking questions. Be sure to always answer them and even encourage conversations around learning more about science.
Buy books that are related to science
Getting more science-related books is also another way to raise a science-minded child. When you take a trip to the library or bookstore, try to look for books about planets, animals, plants, etc. Be sure to pick child-friendly materials with pictures and illustrations to make reading more fun and exciting for them.
A child who begins to embrace science at a young age is someone who is imaginative, creative and is a critical thinker. Use these tips to raise a science-minded child.
Here at Launchpad Early Education, we make sure that children are provided with equal opportunities to develop holistically and learn the skills they need to achieve future success. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
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