For toddlers, the world is full of wonders. While they’ll have plenty of time for a formal education as they grow, there are also opportunities to encourage learning at a young age. Science, in particular, is ideal for early childhood education, as there are so many ways to introduce it to young children. Here are some options to consider. 

How to Get Your Toddler Interested in Science

1. Frozen Figurines

One simple way to encourage exploration in your child is to fill a bowl with water and their favorite figurines, then pop it in the freezer. A few hours later, you’ll have a frozen block of ice from which your child can “free” their action figures using warm water or a toy digging tool. As they’re playing, you can discuss concepts such as temperatures and different states of matter, including liquid and solid. This will give them a jump start on scientific principles that will likely be covered in their early childhood education curriculum.

2. Garden Fun 

Lifecycles are a concept in early childhood education which many little learners find fascinating. If you have a garden, consider enlisting your child’s help with planting seeds, watering, and finally harvesting. They’ll be delighted to watch their seedling grow into a strong plant, and you can use the opportunity to explain how life forms grow. You might even take the activity a step further by planting butterfly plants, which could attract caterpillars and allow them to see their various stages of life, including cocoons. If you don’t have space for a full garden, consider placing potted plants on a windowsill instead. 

3. Magnetic Play

While physics can be a complex area of study, many principles are taught during a child’s younger years. Magnetism is one in particular that can help them understand forces of nature, including attraction and resistance. There are many toddler-friendly magnetic toys that can help them explore this topic, including magnetic tiles and blocks. Or, you could use objects you have at home by filling a small container with random items (some of which are magnetic), and giving your child a magnet to see which it will pick up. Just be sure to avoid using any items that could present choking hazards and supervise the activity closely.

Your child is ready to learn, and Tiny World Child Care will help them explore through inquiry and play. This bilingual day care center in Brookline, MA teaches children English and Spanish and introduces a range of activities through a robust early childhood education program. Find out more about enrollment by contacting the center online or by calling (617) 232-0115.