MANILA, Philippines - Even at an early age, children are already engrossed with science — they are curious about the world around them, asking so many how and why questions. Parents must seize these moments in helping their kids have a better understanding of their environment.
“Parents must be active in exposing their kids to their surroundings, discovering different places and things, and allowing them to experience various activities so they can make sense of what they see and observe,” says Family Life and Child Development specialist Dr. Lillian Leynes-Juadiong.
And to support the children’s quest in discovering the world around them, here are 10 ways one can make science more fun for them:
• Explore science at home. One can easily incorporate science language and activities to familiar routines at home. When watering the plants in the garden, for example, start discussing how plants and trees grow.
Children can also be taught to be observant by instructing them to examine and touch the items they usually find at home. As they study these things, they can explore their characteristics and classify them as living or non-living things.
• Ask questions. Children usually ask a lot of questions because they are naturally curious and interested about the things they observe. To encourage them to think, switch roles by asking them questions instead of just letting them ask them.
This way, they can formulate their own explanations and be encouraged to find out the answer by reading books or conducting an experiment. For example, ask them to identify the tastes of food or the different parts of the body and their functions.
•Fuel kids’ interests and encourage their efforts. Always consider the personality and habits of children when choosing science activities. Fuel their interests and encourage their efforts. If they are fascinated with butterflies, read books on butterflies or visit a butterfly farm.
Have no ideas on what interests them? Ask them what they want to study. When they choose a topic, be assured that they will have a better time learning about it. Understanding their interests can also help parents personalize their learning experiences.
• Provide hands-on experiences. Studies show that children easily learn science when they are given the opportunities to “do” science. Investigating and experimenting are excellent ways to teach children some science concepts.
Planting, molding clays, and blowing bubbles are some of the activities they can perform to understand different science concepts. When kids perform tasks, it helps them to think critically and gain confidence to solve problems.
• Give them books and other learning materials. Take time to read books to children. Reading helps them learn new science information and creates special time for parents to bond with them.
Place science-related books, picture cards, toys, and other educational materials in their room so that they can use them anytime they want to.
Parents can also try to improvise educational materials to support their children’s learning. For example, create a model of the solar system to help them appreciate and understand astronomy.
• Assure them that it’s okay to make mistakes. Learning can sometimes put pressure on children most especially if they cannot fully understand the lectures in class or if they commit mistakes. It’s important to always encourage them by letting them know that it’s okay to make mistakes or admit that they don’t know something.
Instead of telling them that what they know is wrong, help them find accurate information from books or through simple experiments.
• Introduce concepts in a language they will understand. To make sure that children will focus on certain science concepts and minimize mistakes, introduce them to one thing at a time.
• Always consider their safety. Some science concepts may require kids to do experiments, so it’s necessary to always read through each activity before doing it. Experiments that require heat, sharp objects, and chemicals need strict adult supervision.
Make sure that they have complete protective gear like goggles or gloves to protect them from heat or anything that could harm their eyes. Also start teaching them to read and follow warnings on the labels of their toys and science kits. Likewise, teach them to practice safety precautions so they will be more responsible and cautious in performing activities and experiments.
• Visit zoos, museums, science centers, and other learning institutions. Go to learning institutions or centers where kids can check out or touch displays or devices to understand science concepts better.
The Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia can be a good place to visit. It houses interactive galleries that discuss different science concepts. A very interesting feature of the center is the Digistar Planetarium. Exploring this 15-meter dome planetarium can help kids understand heavenly bodies and the solar system.
Children can also be taken to stimulating environments such as parks, swamps, and airports that offer chances for discussing and observing science.
• Consult their teachers. Teachers are the parents’ partners in encouraging their kids to learn more. Ask them about the science activities that children enjoy. Also, get some tips from them on how to make learning more fun and exciting. Having parent-teacher conferences likewise helps in knowing how one’s kids perform in school.
These are only some of the many ways in which to make children to have fun with science. Remember to always incorporate activities that encourage them to expose, explore and experience the world around them. Support them in their pursuit of learning because apart from acquiring knowledge, shared science experiences with one’s kids will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime.