Kids are normally curious. They ask a lot of questions particularly how and why things are created the way they are. Toddlers also love to explore things around them with their five senses—taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight. Take advantage of this trait in teaching science to a toddler. Introducing science earlier in life is a good way in developing a love for wonder and knowledge to prepare toddlers for higher form of learning. With the right attitude, technique and materials, you can make the learning experience enjoyable and productive.
The following are some steps that moms and teachers have observed.
- Introduce science while you are playing with your toddler. Take advantage of materials around you. Playing with sand and water would surely be fun. Try to secure containers of different colors and shapes that are exciting to his sight. While dumping or pouring sand and water, guide your toddler and let him count the number of scoops of sand he placed in the container. You may also let your toddler identify the size of each container.
- Start introducing science even at an early age. Remember, even infants are curious about things around them. So, at this stage, you can begin by showing your infant picture books and slowly narrating to them what is happening in the picture. Notice, your infant’s reaction as some of them may not be attentive at first. While he grows, also change the objects to be to your shown to your kid.
- You can also introduce the concept of light and reflection to your kid. Let your kid explore how to turn on or off the flashlight. Let him explore it and talk lightly about the concept behind it. Carefully, choose your words well. Use language that is appropriate for his level of thinking. You can also introduce the concept of reflection by letting your kid play with a safe mirror. You can choose mirrors made of Plexiglass. While the toddler sees his reflection in the mirror, talk about the concept of reflection. Afterwards, show your toddler other parts of the house that show his reflection. Amaze him with mirrors, windows, shiny tiled floors or even your personal computer’s monitor.
- Toddlers love to play with magnets. There are a lot of play and refrigerator magnets with fancy designs of flowers and fruits. Instruct your kid to look for metallic and non-metallic things around the room. Then, let him explore which of these things attract or produce a reaction to magnets.
- You can also continue your learning sessions by going outside the house with your toddler. Tell him the names of plants, animals, trees, vegetables. This time, it is now your turn to ask simple questions to your child. Ask him questions to make him curious, like why the sky is blue, why water spills inside a container, how a plant grows and just anything that you can think of.
These are just some simple and easy steps to introduce science to your toddler. Have fun, be creative and be patient in your teaching sessions. Remember, toddlers love it when lessons are accompanied with play. His laughter while learning can, perhaps, be considered as your best reward as his teacher.
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