Curiosity helps children become more observant and to think about thinks and try to figure them out for themselves. When children are able to explore their curiosity, they’re not only expanding their minds, but their vocabulary too. Because they’re using language to describe what they’re thinking, seeing, hearing, or experiencing.
Unstructured play is the best way to encourage and nurture a child’s sense of discovery, and this can be done both in the classroom and at home. Exploration through play is the earliest way children engage in the process of scientific discovery, and technology is helping to enhance this natural curiosity.
Even though schools offer general science subjects, early-age coursework in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects are limited. However there are some simple ways you can encourage your children to engage in science, technology, and maths at home – even as home schooling comes to an end.
Science
As the nights begin to get lighter, and weekends become a little warmer, you can explore the outdoors by visiting local parks, going on a walk, or spending time in your garden. Encourage children to interact with insects, animals, and plants, and teach them about basic biology.
A simple way to teach children is get them to ask “what” questions about the environment. And if you don’t know the answer, you can discover it together.
Technology
Playing logic games and brain teasers regularly can help develop problem-solving skills. Start by playing with building materials like blocks or cards. This will help them understand friction, patterns, and repetition.
If you notice they have a penchant for technology, the next step is a mini computer. Designed to inspire young people to get into technology, micro:bit computers make coding fun and easy to learn. And because they can be programmed via a PC or mobile, they can watch as their creation in the digital world move into the real one.
Engineering
You can teach your children about simple machines, like levers and pulleys – and show how we use them in everyday life. Sit down and plan and design a structure, and then set out to build it with household items.
You can build a ramp for their toy cars and if they’re older, their bikes and together you can explore motion and angles.
There are also plenty of apps that encourage engineering curiosity, including Minecraft and Goldieblox.
Mathematics
Cooking and baking are perfect opportunities to learn about measuring volume, weight, and temperature – and you’ll get something tasty at the end of it. Making it an enjoyable experience will help children understand maths instead of seeing it as something abstract and other.
Playing a game of Monopoly or imaginary shops can help children practise their money skills and maths skills – without them even noticing. By engaging children in STEM early on, you’ll help your children not only develop their natural curiosity, but also increase their chances of finding a satisfying and successful career. Whether or not your child becomes an engineer, programmer, or doctor, making STEM fun is essential for developing children into lifelong curious learners.
