Young children are fascinated by the world around them. Encourage curiosity and investigation to help them become active and engaged learners.
Little investigators
The
garden is a great place to explore and learn, with lots to see, touch and observe. As young children explore outdoors they learn about the world around them, develop an inquisitive nature and build investigative skills.
Encourage your child to explore using different senses, including smell sight, touch and taste.
Ask them to predict what they might find or observe in their environment.
- Think about and organise any materials they might need for their investigation.
Talk to your child about what they see while exploring, for example, a bug, strange plant or static electricity on a windy day.
Encourage your child to ask questions and observe the natural world in everyday situations. For example, ‘What happens when we drive through the mud?’, ‘Why does the washing dry faster on a windy day?’ or ‘How can we help the tree frog we found?’.
Engage in your child’s learning by pointing out important features, asking questions and explaining what is happening. Also allow time for your child to find their own answers and encourage them to try to explain the things they see in nature.
Little investigators tool-kit
Materials they may want to use, include:
- paper and crayons for bark rubbings
- leaves for printing
- jars for collecting leaves.