Developing an early interest in science will help your child thrive and get ahead in preschool. Luckily, young children are inquisitive by nature, so all parents need to do is find ways to encourage that curiosity. Here are a few activities that will help introduce your little one to the world of science.

5 Ways to Develop an Early Interest in Science

1. Read Books

Kids love stories that stimulate the imagination and allow them to relate to different characters. Reading children’s books about animals, the weather, and other age-appropriate topics allows them to begin thinking about science in a way they understand. You’ll build their reading skills and scientific interest while spending quality time together.

2. Visit a Science Center

Science centers and natural history museums feature fun and exciting exhibits geared toward people of all ages. Some focus on particular fields, while others explore a variety of topics like astronomy, meteorology, paleontology, and anatomy. Find a science center or museum near you and make it a family field trip.

3. Experiment at Home

Hands-on learning is an excellent way for children to approach new topics. Head to your local library or search online for preschool-level science experiments that you can try at home, then go through the options together with your child. Try the experiments that interest them the most. Be sure to have them predict what they believe will happen and ask questions before, during, and after the experiment to get them thinking critically.

4. Create Sensory Bins

Sensory bins stimulate the five senses and encourage children to learn through exploration and play. Choose scientific themes and set up bins for your child to investigate, such as different rocks or fossils for a geology theme or shells and sand for an ocean theme. Ask your child to make observations and voice their questions out loud.

5. Explore Nature

Getting some fresh air presents a great opportunity for you and your preschooler to observe nature and learn together. Hike through the woods and point out plants and animals, hunt for fossils and rocks by streams and rivers, and take pictures to identify different species when you return home. With all of the new sights to see and life to explore, your child will get a first-hand look at what makes studying nature so fun.

If you’re looking for a preschool that will boost your child’s interest in science, enroll them at Les Enfants Preschool in Palisades Park, NJ. This early childhood education center exposes kids to science in an effective and meaningful way through educational activities, arts and crafts, and reading. With a 4-star rating from Grow NJ Kids, this Pyramid Implementation site encourages creativity, exploration, and problem-solving in a warm and welcoming environment. Learn more about their preschool curriculum online or call (201) 592-6695 for information about enrollment.