Science

An object in motion stays in motion...and so does your kindergartener!

As the world spins around her, your child is learning about it. She is pushing and pulling objects to study their motion. She’s keeping cool while studying the sun. She’s defining problems and devising solutions. She is engaging in STEM.

Your Kindergartener

Your child is learning about why it’s important to forecast and respond to weather incidents. She’s noticing weather patterns, too. “It’s sunny in the summer!” or “Do I need a raincoat again, dad?” or “I’m cold this week!” She’s looking out the window and pointing at clouds while remaining down to earth.

She’s offering to feed the family pets, too, and asking to water the plants. She’s learning what plants and animals need to survive, and she’s interested in being a part of their care. She has always loved dogs and daisies, but now she shows it, putting curiosity into action with her new understanding of living beings.

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Your child is learning about the environment, understanding that some things humans do to live more comfortably have an impact on the planet. He’s talking about solutions, like taking shorter showers or recycling his leftover applesauce cup. He knows that the world will only be his oyster if he helps protect it.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Does your child care provider inspire children to recycle? Does she talk about the environment around them? “What are some ways we can protect plants, Dequan?” Watch for signs that the provider cares for the planet as she cares for children and encourages children to do the same.
Moving and Grooving

Your kindergartener has always been on the move, but she is particularly interested in motion this year. She is curious about how quickly her scooter rolls when pushed a certain way and wants to know or even predict what happens when her blankie is in the way. She is experimenting with speed, force and direction all from the comfort of the carpet.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

Does your child care provider discuss movement with the children, why something moves the way it does? Dancing, playing with balls and running are all ways to enjoy and learn about movement. Fun and learning are parts of a quality program.
I See and I Learn

Your kindergartener is making observations with her five senses to solve problems, from how many toys need to be picked up for a clean living room to how warm the water is before hopping in the bath. She is talking about what she notices and how it impacts her life, testing ideas and adjusting as she goes.

Look for Signs of Learning at Your Child's Care

In what ways does your child care provider encourage observation? How does he point out details that children should notice, or ask them what they see? “What do you see in that tree, Leilani?” Look for a provider who talks with children about their surroundings, helping them open their eyes and minds.

Ideas to Learn and Play Together!

From bedtime to playtime, your child is always learning. Check out these family-time ideas for building their skills, and your family connections. All children learn and grow at their own pace and in their own way. For more information about the skills and milestones for your child's age, check out our developmental milestones resource page.

Plant Some Seeds

Plant seeds with your kindergartener, and watch his curiosity blossom, too! Seed packets cost a few dollars at home improvement stores, and some libraries offer seeds for free. You can even collect seeds from fruits and vegetables at snack time. Talk with your child at every step. What does he notice about the seed and the soil? How much water and sunlight do the seeds need? “What would happen if we moved the plant to a shadier patch? A sunnier one?” How do plants change over time, in size, color and shape? Nurture his curiosity alongside his green thumb.
Upcycle and Uplift

Make art out of recycled materials – toilet paper rolls, empty water bottles, paper cups and more. Build skyscrapers with materials you would have thrown away. Construct a car and zoom away on cardboard wheels! Kindle imagination alongside a love of the environment by talking about the materials as you create. “How could we make less waste? Why should we recycle and not litter? What can we reuse?” Have fun while encouraging environmentalism!

Hop on a Sled (or a Slide)

Who doesn’t enjoy a good sledding day? Or an afternoon on the park slide? Your child will have so much fun she won’t even realize she’s learning about physics, motion and gravity. Talk with your child about speed. “Do you move faster when you’re on your sled or a piece of cardboard?” “How quickly do you reach the bottom when you push yourself versus when I push you?” “Could you sled or slide uphill? Why not?” Glide into learning!
I Spy with my Little Eye...

Making observations is an important part of growing up. Help your child describe the world around her. Go for a walk and point out animals and plants. Notice their size, shape and color, what they do, even the sounds you hear. “How does the squirrel climb in the tree? Did the plants change when it rained?” Help your child build awareness, taking note of details that help her understand and solve problems.