Curriculum: What Your Child Will Learn This Year
Preschoolers benefit from a combination of hands-on activities, observation, storytelling, and outdoor exploration to develop an early appreciation for the diversity of living things. These experiences also lay the foundation for future science learning and environmental awareness.
Introduction to Plants and Plant Growth:
- Planting Seeds: Engage in hands-on activities like planting seeds. They learn about the life cycle of plants, observing the process from seed germination to plant growth.
- Observation of Plants: The children will learn to observe and care for potted plants, discussing factors such as sunlight, water, and soil that contribute to plant health.
Learning About Animals:
- Animal Habitats: Explore different animal habitats through books, videos, or even visits to petting zoos. They learn about where animals live, what they eat, and how they adapt to their environments.
- Animal Life Cycles: Introduction to basic concepts of animal life cycles, such as the transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly, captures the curiosity of preschoolers.
Exploration of Insects:
- Bug Hunts: Participate in bug hunts, where they explore outdoor spaces in search of insects. This activity promotes observation skills and introduces them to the diversity of insects in their environment.
- Butterfly Gardens: Creating a butterfly garden or observing caterpillars turning into butterflies in a classroom setting is a common and exciting exploration for preschoolers.
Outdoor Exploration:
- Observing Nature: They will observe and discuss the plants, trees, birds, and insects they encounter.
- Collecting Nature Items: Children often collect items like leaves, rocks, and flowers during nature walks. This activity encourages hands-on exploration and sparks discussions about the diversity of living things.
Storytelling and Imaginative Play:
- Animal Stories and Imaginative Play: Engage in storytelling and imaginative play related to animals. They may use props, costumes, or puppets to act out scenarios involving different animals, enhancing their understanding of living creatures.
6 ways Parents Can keep it going...
Every child is born a naturalist. Their eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life."
Fun Facts For Parents Can Share!
Here are some fun and fascinating facts about nature that parents can share with their children:
1. Butterfly Migration
- Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles between Canada and Mexico. They are known for their incredible journey, and each generation plays a role in the migration cycle.
2. Bioluminescent Wonders
- Some organisms, like fireflies and certain types of mushrooms, have the ability to produce light through a process called bioluminescence. Fireflies use this natural light display for communication and attracting mates.
3. Tallest Tree On Earth
- The tallest tree on Earth is a coast redwood named Hyperion, reaching a height of over 379 feet (115.7 meters). These majestic trees can be found in California.
4. Hummingbird Feats
- Hummingbirds are incredible flyers. They can hover in mid-air, fly backward, and beat their wings up to 80 times per second. Their high metabolism requires them to consume nectar constantly.
Ant Communication
- Ants communicate with each other using pheromones. They leave scent trails to guide other ants to food sources, and some ant species even use different pheromones for various messages.
These fun facts can spark curiosity and conversations about the wonders of nature, encouraging children to explore and appreciate the diverse and fascinating aspects of the natural world.
