beyond the playroom

purposeful play

Science and Sensory

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purposeful science and sensory

Why is science important for kids?

Children by their very nature are incredibly curious and are born natural scientists.
 
Children are instinctively drawn to nature. They love dirt, water, sun, animals, grass, trees and flowers. They are driven to explore, experiment, ask questions and wonder about the world around them.
 
When given the chance to explore, children are able to learn about cause and effect. They also learn how to solve problems and adapt. 
 
When children explore science, they learn how to make predictions, to investigate, to ask questions and to share what they’ve learned. Through science and sensory exploration-young critical thinkers are born!
Science Activities for Kids

purposeful play

science activities for kids

purposeful play

Science and Sensory Materials

Inspire young scientists by keeping lots of items from nature
as well as a variety of books available for exploring.

sensory table
sand
sand tools
water 
water tools
rocks and pebbles
sticks
shells
pulleys, gears, wheels
cups, bowls, ladles, spoons
dropper, funnels, strainer
buckets
foam letters
paper and writing utencils
water wheels
sifter 
binoculars
rulers 
clipboard
plants
pets if possible
magnifying glass
books on science topics
nuts and bolts
balance scale
magnets
broken toys or small items that can be taken apart 
spray bottles

Favorite Science & Sensory Supplies

Below are links to some of the best science and sensory materials that I’ve used. All of the items I’ve chosen to list have been widely popular with my students and as well as my son, providing hours and hours of purposeful play!

purposeful play

Science Activities for Kids

excellent sensory activity

Not only is playing with shaving cream relaxing but it’s also an excellent way for your child to explore and learn various concepts. The possibilities are endless! Try adding food coloring and have your child mix the colors together to create new colors. Add kitchen items such as spoons, measuring cups and small bowls for your child to experiment with. Add play vehicles for your child to use to drive through the shaving cream. Ask your child to draw pictures and letters in the shaving cream. 

the messier the better

Allowing children to freely explore elements such as water, sand, mud and other natural materials-though messy-is the absolute best way for a child to learn and experiment.  Time with nature creates new connections in the brain and is therapeutic to the soul.  Give your child lots of materials to work with-buckets, shovels, pails of water, play animals, vehicles and anything else you can think of that would engage and ignite your child’s imagination.

measure, mix, pour

Cooking together is a wonderful way to bond with your child.  Cooking also teaches concepts in all areas of development. 
While cooking or baking together be sure to point out the measuring tools you are using, the quantity needed, the recipe you are following and the print on all the ingredient labels. 
Ask your child to participate as much as possible.  
Ask “what if” and “what would happen” questions.
Cooking turns into a powerful literacy activity when you point out as much print as you can. Highlight the recipe you are using, introduce as many new words as you can and verbalize your actions.

fill, spill, pour

Children are naturally drawn to water and will find a way to play in it any chance they can.  
Water play can happen in a sensory table, bath tub, sink, an old baby bathtub, at the lake/pool or outside with buckets, pots and pans. 
When you child gets the chance to play in water-set out lots of different materials for your child to use.  
Water toys, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, pails, spoons, tubes, funnels, balls, plastic tubes, foam letters, plastic animals, shells, sand, dolls, soap, washcloths, plastic fish, sponges, rocks, ladles, measuring spoons, boats, basters, tongs, plastic bottles, buckets, spray bottles, strainers, water droppers.

discover nature

Getting outside, soaking up Vitamin D, breathing fresh air and exploring nature is absolutely critical for children!
While you are going on your outdoor adventures-talk about what you see, hear, smell, feel. Ask your child about what they see, hear, smell and feel. Ask questions, and introduce as many new words are you can during your conversation.  
Stop and explore whenever you come across something interesting.  Stop to explore the bugs, the flowers, the grates, the leaves or the water flowing down the road.  
Talk about the road signs you see, point out the letters and words on the sign and what they mean. When you get back encourage your child to draw or “write” about what their outdoor exploration. Be mindful of what sparked your child’s interest and explore those areas further with them.

read, read, read

Books are such an excellent way to explore topics relating to science! 
Go to the library and load up on books that spark your child’s scientific side. 
It’s important to really follow your child’s interest. By tapping into what your child is fascinated in, you can open up a new world for them!
You can teach a child just about anything through the topics that interest them. 
Extend book reading by encouraging your child to draw pictures of their favorite part of the book. Take your child on an outing that reinforces what you’re reading about. Play out what your child has learned through dramatic play.  Find toys and play materials that reinforce the topic.
 
 

focused studies

Children are fascinated with animals.  Give them the chance to engage in a focused exploration and study of their favorite animal. Focused Studies leads to a great deal of developmental growth.  
Learn more about animals studies below

temporary or permanent

Pets, either temporary or permanent, are a wonderful way for children to explore their scientific side at home.
             
                Temporary Pets
                Permanent Pets
  • Any type of pet that your family agrees on
  • Fish make a great first pet
After you decide on a pet, read as many books about it as you can with your child. Talk to your child about what they’ve learned from the books. 
 
Talk to them about how they can use this new knowledge to care for their pet. Research what kind of habitat or home the new pet will need. What does it eat? What does it need to feel safe?
 
Once you have everything you need set-up, welcome your pet into their new home!
 
Encourage your child to observe their new pet closely. Provide materials so your child can draw pictures and write books about their experiences

plant, water, grow

Plant together-indoor, outdoor or both.  Read books together about plants, how they grow and what they need. 
Talk to your child about the plants you are growing and what they will need to be healthy.
Have your child draw pictures of each new stage of the plants growth.  Dictate what they say about each picture they draw. Bind pictures together to form a book!  Proudly display!

explore the community together

Children love going on outings and they can also learn a great deal from them! Outings don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. 
Check out the local libraries, take walks, go visit different parks or go to the grocery store.  
Visit the Zoo, a local Nature Center, Aquarium, Pet Store, Children’s Museum, or visit a bookstore.
Not only do outings offer high potential for learning but they are also important for social development.  Children get a chance to interact with lots of different people and lots of different situations during an outing.  
Children also get a chance to watch you as you interact with other people-so be conscientious of this. It’s a wonderful opportunity to set a good example and model strong character attributes.

science is magical

Kids are enamored by bubbles.  Gather different types of bubble wands and bubble solution and head outside!!

experiment with forces

Magnets are a fun way to experiment with science at home.  Add both metal and non-metal materials to a bin.  Give your child magnetic wands and have them find out what will stick to the wand and what will not stick. For added fun you can add rice or sand to your bin to make the search a little more challenging. 

purposeful play

science activities for kids

Purposeful play

explore other interest areas

purposeful play

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