Five Ways to Teach your Child Science

Getting involved with you child's education is the single best way to ensure he learns according to his potential. It's especially fun and easy to participate in his science education. You don't need to be a scientist, or have lots of facts in your head. All you need is a love of discovery. Show your child that it's good to be curious and to ask questions. This will give him confidence in his own ability to explore. Here are some ways to get involved:

Be the Example

Show him how curious you are. Let your own sense of discovery guide your exploration. Exhibit an attitude of openness to learning. If you can access your own imagination and curiosity you'll become a co-discoverer with your child. Demonstrate the fun of exploration and the joy of learning new things.

Point it Out

Science is all around you. Find fun ways of showing your child the science of her every day life. It's in cooking, cleaning, building a fire in the fireplace. It's in the yard, the garage, the basement. Maybe you are expecting a new baby brother or sister for your child. Maybe you live in a place where the change of seasons is dramatic. A hike or a canoe trip is loaded with science. The night sky, the morning dew, the rising and setting of the moon and sun, it's all science.

Teach Observation

Children are surrounded with new information. It can be a lot to take in. But they're always looking, always listening. Teach your child to pay closer attention to details. When he sees something new, ask him to notice the size and shape, the color, the smell, the sound. Teach him to take a moment to notice things. You can even encourage him to take notes of the things he sees each day. A journal be just a simple list of experiences, but it will strengthen his ability and inclination to be aware of his surroundings.

Encourage Questions

Kids are full of questions. Life is too full of new information for them to go through a day without wondering about something. You should not only be receptive to their questions at all times, but you go as far as to encourage them to ask. Use that notebook again. Suggest they write down the questions that occur to them during the day, so they can remember them later and go looking for the answer. Exercises in inquiry will serve your child in every class and every professional field later in life.

Take Him Seriously

Listen to his observations and to his explanations of things. It will give him confidence in his own ability to discover and it will teach him to trust his instincts. If he's off target, use it as an opportunity to help him reach the right conclusion on his own by asking him questions or pointing out things he should reconsider. Taking a child seriously and listening with respect is crucial to learning.