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Dear
Parents,
In a world of rapidly emerging technology and scientific discovery,
how are you cultivating your child as a science learner? The twenty-first century calls for
lifelong learners who are able to think creatively to solve problems. How
can you help your child learn to think in a scientific way?
Here are a few ideas for encouraging wonder and problem solving
ability in your child:
- Encourage
questions from your child, but don’t be quick to give answers.
Instead, help your child learn ways to find out-either in a book, or by
going out into the yard and looking, or doing or discovering.
- The best answer to use is often "I'm not exactly sure; let's try to
find out."
- It is important for your child to be aware of things.
You can encourage this awareness
by being curious and aware yourself and sharing experiences with
your child. Build a rain
gauge. Buy an ant farm. Take a night walk and find the big dipper.
- Find a small
table or shelf in the house where your child can place interesting
things that he or she wants to observe or learn more about. Ask
questions and encourage your child to learn as much as possible.
- Ask "why" and
"how" questions as you wonder with your child at the beauty of God’s
creation.
- Something I used to do with my kids was to go exploring.
We would all go to the local park and everyone would have to bring
something back that we could learn about. Articles included things like
odd shaped blades of grass, a four leaf clover, a bug that looked
different, etc. My kids loved it as we tried to solve our little
mysteries.
- Finally, listen
appreciatively to your child’s observations and discoveries and know
that you are cultivating a science learner!
Building and encouraging a sense of wonder and
problem-solving attitude in your child will serve as a real asset
throughout his or her life. Start today, as difficult as it may seem, turn
the TV off and spend some time outside, you will be surprised at how much
everyone in the family can learn and how much fun you will have along the
way!
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