Science Activities

Kindergarten Readiness: Simple Science with Fridge Magnets

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?

Kindergarten Readiness: I Spy Some Animals

Spending time outside helps young children both connect to nature and practice some kindergarten readiness skills. Your family may be able to fit in some playtime in the park or playground, but even just a walk around the block or on the way to the bus will give a few minutes for both fun and learning.

connecting to nature

Being able to notice details is an important skill for kids and adults. It needs some time and opportunity for practicing. When you and your child go outside, you can play anĀ  “I Spy” nature game. Hmm, what to look for? Hopefully, it’s warm enough now since it’s closer to spring to see more animals outside. Play ” I Spy some Animals” to give your child some practice looking around and observing. Are there any cats and dogs? How about birds? Talk about some animals that are not there, like bugs and worms. Where could they be? Are there any under some rocks? Little kids are closer to the ground and notice things that we miss. Any squirrels? How about fish? Somehow, kids have already learned where fish should be but they like thinking that grownups may not. Do you and your child enjoy the time outside?

Kindergarten Readiness: Science of Drumming for Kids

Yes, exploring drumming can be part of science, and the learning and fun help develop kindergarten readiness.

developing kindergarten readinessIn a dark, forgotten corner of a drawer in the sewing room, was an old toy monkey with a little tin drum. The monkey would tap on the drum with a squeeze on a plastic bulb. Only a little bit of playing with the monkey and drum was needed to turn other things into drums. First, on old tin in another sewing drawer, then some other containers of different sizes, all had turns. Chopsticks were just right for drumsticks.

Science is all about exploring and asking questions. Discovering the different noises all these various containers made was not just a noisy question, it was a noisy answer too. But it was many minutes of wondering, careful listening, paying attention, making decisions, comparing, exploring, and other kinds of learning. Plus, it was a fun way to play. One hand, two hands, drumming on a drum. What other items might make drums?

Kindergarten Readiness, Science, and Playdough

What do kindergarten readiness, science, and playdough all have in common? Fun and learning for young children, of course. Playdough is a fun and inexpensive toy. I prefer making the kind that cooks on the stove but I have made many batches with boiling water. In either case, it’s safer to make these without any … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness, Science, and Playdough

Kindergarten Readiness: Science Fun with Floating Fruit

Supporting your child to develop kindergarten readiness does not mean you need to turn the house into a preschool. There are many learning and play activities that you can do at home. This science experiment is simple, uses ordinary materials, and is kid-tested for fun. Use some water in a bowl or sink. The water … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness: Science Fun with Floating Fruit

Kindergarten Readiness: Ripping Paper Science & Art

Yesterday, for some kindergarten readiness fun and learning with hands-on activities, I interviewed MaryAnn F. Kohl on Learn and Play with Mrs. A. She is an artist with 20+ books on kids and hands-on activities, speaker, toy consultant, columnist, publisher and has appeared on several tv shows. Her focus is on the experience, not the … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness: Ripping Paper Science & Art

Kindergarten Readiness: Science Fun and Learning with Blocks

Some ordinary blocks of wood, plastic, or sponge or even some empty plastic containers help kids with both kindergarten readiness and some science learning. Plus, kids can play with blocks over and over, from the time they are babies until they are much older. As kids play with blocks, they learn about stacking and balancing. … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness: Science Fun and Learning with Blocks

Kindergarten Readiness And Water Play And Learning

This month kindergarten readiness plays-of-the-day are all about exploring and discovering, something that kids do from the time they are born. Scientists do the same thing, so in a way, children are natural scientists as they play and learn. Kids, from babies to kindergarteners, love to play with water. If the weather is warm enough, … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness And Water Play And Learning

Kindergarten Readiness Is Marching With Lions And Lambs

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

Kindergarten Readiness – February Fun: Valentine Science

Today’s kindergarten readiness fun and learning play-of-the-day has been inspired by a conversation with scientist and author of children’s science books, Dr. Rebecca Keller. Science is all about exploring and wondering and kids do both of those things naturally! The following very simple science experiment, for kids 3 years old and up, helps encourage two … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – February Fun: Valentine Science