science and kids

Kindergarten readiness and science fun can happen anytime, even at the breakfast table. After needing to use an ice cube to cool down the oatmeal, we used some other ice cubes for some fun and learning.

Have you heard the saying that something is about as exciting as watching paint dry? Well, the same could be true of watching ice melt, but for some reason, kids get quite excited about watching it do just that.

The ice melted quite quickly in the pot and bowl of oatmeal. Does it melt as fast in a bowl all by itself? How about on a paper? The ice in the bowl made a puddle of water, but on the paper it just made the paper wet and dark.

Just using a few ice cubes, you can let your child watch what happens at your house as it melts on a bowl and a napkin. Does stirring help it melt faster? What about sucking on it or holding it, until fingers get cold?

What other things melt? Snowmen melt, especially in the warm spring sun. Is there any snow outside to melt where you live? It’s fun to bring some snow inside and check on how it melts, too. Instead of eating snow, how about some ice cream–as long as it’s not breakfast?

Not all new fridges are magnet friendly, nevertheless fridge magnets are simple little items for some easy science and kindergarten readiness learning and fun.

A metal foot that popped out from underneath an easy chair was too intriguing to be ignored. Especially, when it turned out to be the same size and shape as a fridge magnet. Lo and behold, it stuck to the magnet, at least on the metal side. What else would it stick to? Little hands tried tables, chairs, the floor, a spoon, the dishwasher and even the rocks and trim of the fireplace. To extend, the activity, I asked if other fridge magnets also stuck to those things. And off went the eager, but young, scientist.

This play-of-the-day activity appeals to both younger and older kids. Kids can either wander around the house checking out what might or might not stick, or you can put lots of objects on a tray for them to try. Put a piece of paper over something magnetic and show your child that it still works right thru the paper! It’s also fun to see if a magnet can pick up objects thru a light piece of fabric. What discoveries can your child make with a fridge magnet?

Either lions or lambs may usually be how March starts, but today it’s beginning with some kindergarten readiness fun and learning. While lions and lambs are animals, in this case they are referring to the weather. Did you know that checking the weather helps your child develop some background knowledge for natural science? The words … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness Is Marching With Lions And Lambs →