Science and preschool…. Can those two words possibly
belong in the same sentence?
Making babies and caring for newborns can, of course, seem like one
giant, marvelous science experiment from the parental point of
view. But now that our milky bundles have finally turned into
something resembling small human beings, can it really already be
time to start teaching them science?
The Savvy answer to that one is yes and no. There is no prior
knowledge required on our part, and very little “teaching”
involved, but is it definitely time to get our preschoolers into
science. It’s not hard – young children are into science no matter
what.
Getting into science simply means getting into understanding how
the world works, and we all know that our kids are into that. From
the earliest age they want to name and classify and try out or take
apart everything for themselves. “Scientific inquiry” is just
another way to describe the way their brains work. Indeed, their
inquiring is non-stop!
So all we need to do is to give our little ones the space and tools
to get the most out of their constant drive to inquire and
experiment, and there is no better place to start than in the
garden. What garden? you ask. Well, the garden in the flower pots
by your window will do nicely; and if you’ve got a windowsill to
fill, even better. Rooftop gardens (well-fenced) are splendid, as
are community gardens, or even a reclaimed corner of a vacant lot.
Perhaps your child’s preschool has a spot for a garden. And if
you’ve got a bonafide yard out back, hurrah! Do dare to disturb the
landscaping or lawn to provide your preschooler with his very own
plot.
Once you’ve established your wee homesteader on her very own bit of
earth, the fun and learning can begin. A few ideas for getting
started:
- Visit a local garden center or hardware store with your child to find out what plants grow best in your garden's clime. Also let your child have the fun of choosing a few of the seeds he wants even if they're not a sure bet -- remember, it's about the experiment!
- Try for a few edible plants so your little one has the gratification of eating (or, for the picky ones, watching someone else eat) something she's grown.
- Equip those tiny green thumbs with kid-sized tools, such as a trowel, rake, bucket and watering can. Also a magnifying glass for close examination of shoots, sprouts, roots, worm, insects and more.
- Learn about the bugs that live in the garden; which ones help the plants, and which ones do harm?
- Talk about your child's observations of the plants, and ask him to make guesses about what might happen next in the garden.
- Let your proud cultivator take pictures of her plants as they grow. What fun to look back fondly on those tiny seedlings!
More from The Savvy Source:
• Get ready for leprechauns and shamrocks with fun St. Patrick's Day activities.
• The best tools and toys for little gardeners.
• Find great activities in your town every day with Being Savvy Local.
• For our children, every day is a learning day.
Find and
collect even more great ideas at http://www.savvysource.com/.
