Young children wonder about the world around them.They think to themselves:
*I wonder what will happen if i push this button.
*I wonder what the bunny feels like.
*I wonder why my plant died.
*I wonder how i can make this bubble bigger.
The discovery area is the place to find answers to these kinds of questions with a few right or wrong answers!!!
Its the place to spark curiosity and wonder!!!
Its the place to try ones hand at using new and interesting materials!!
SENSORY TUBS OR TABLES:
A sensory table can be an exciting part of the discovery area.All you need to do is fill a plastic tub with materials that children can explore.Examples of materials that you can put in the tub are- fish tank pebbles, shredded paper, confetti, seeds, fresh herbs, pieces of playdough,sand, mettalic objects , small toys, eyedropper, small pencil, crayons, brushes, twigs, leaves, flower petals, pumpkin seeds, dals pulses,sandpaper piece, silky scarf piece...the list is never ending!!!
For older children- collection of wind up toys, magnets, mettalic and non mettalic items, marbles, rice, coins, collection of things that spin, loose parts such as a screw, nail(ensure children dont hurt themselves),sunglasses, magnifying glass, small bottles for sniffing -vinegar, ginger juice, garlic juice etc...
As children explore the various materials they go through different stages of development- Awareness, Exploration,Inquiry,Utilization.Ask open ended questions that lead them to consider another view point- What do think will happen if.....? I wonder why.... How did that happen...? what do you know about.....? Can you tell me more....?
Remember that the essence of science is discovery!!!!
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