One of the most effective tools for learning, and kindergarten readiness, is allowing children to discover for themselves. When we figure out on our own how something works, what it does, or where it goes, that knowledge has also become very personal. We own it, it’s ours. By contrast, when someone tells us or shows us, the knowledge belongs to somebody else.
While it is not safe or appropriate for us to let children discover everything for themselves, we can support their learning by letting them figure things out. This requires great sensitivity on the part of parents, caregivers, and teachers to know how much to show and tell and how much to let kids try on their own.
Some children’s toys and activities are better than others for allowing children to try independently, such as puzzles, blocks, construction toys, and playdough, to name only a few. Playing in a sink or tub of water can lead to many discoveries like how water pours, overflows, splashes, spills and more. Parks are full of mysteries just waiting to be discovered: what’s under a rock, how does a bird catch a worm, etc.
Childhood is a time of discovery. How can you best support this for your child?