Science for the kindergarten age child
Because no "grade" classifications may be used if you are homeschooling, you
will still be using many of the "natural learning" techniques that are listed
above with your 5-year-old child. Also, along with these techniques, it is important that
you check out many trade books on the following topics and read daily to your child. Many
art projects can be enjoyed by these young children using these topics as well. Cutting
and pasting should be practiced and even mastered by some. Drawing pictures using many
types of media should also be allowed. Topics that can be included for the kindergarten
child follow; and as you will see, many of the topics are also included in the 1st grade
curriculum.
- Children should be learning proper hygiene and how to take care of their
bodies. Even very young children should be exposed to the concepts of germs, bacteria, and
disease so they can learn to stay healthy. Teach them why they are getting their
vaccinations.
- Animals and animal babies (the proper names for each creature and its
young) are important concepts to learn during the preschool and kindergarten ages. There
are many books and videos on this subject.
- Children should learn about the seasons and
the weather through books and art projects. This topic is covered in the 2nd-grade book
mentioned below. You may look at a text to see the objectives mentioned in that book.
-
Plants and plant growth are interesting topics for this age child. Let your child plant a
small garden. Discuss foods that we eat and foods that we should not eat. Talk about foods
that are bulbs, roots, leaves, and flowers. Plants are used for some medicines too.
- It
is important that even young children learn how to take care of the earth, our home. Teach
them words like pollution, conservation, and litter. Even young children can learn these
words. Never use baby talk or talk down to your child. Always teach them the proper names
for all concepts.
- The physical science world can be introduced by allowing them to
learn about magnets, the power of electricity, and gravity.