{"id":130,"date":"2017-08-16T13:49:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-16T19:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/preschool.utahdanceartists.com\/blog\/?p=130"},"modified":"2017-10-25T23:00:17","modified_gmt":"2017-10-26T05:00:17","slug":"backyard-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preschool.utahdanceartists.com\/blog\/backyard-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Beating Boredom with Backyard Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"backyard<\/a><\/p>\n

Summer is here and how often do we hear the dreaded, \u201cI\u2019m bored\u201d statement? School may not be in session, but learning adventures are right outside your backdoor. Just think of the safari awaiting a young inquisitive mind! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roly-polies tucked away under the nearest stone. Beatles making their way through the jungle of grass. Mighty ant wars, a moving mosaic on the sidewalk. \u00a0And don\u2019t forget that tell tale sign of the sparkling trail left by that sneaky snail. \u00a0All the backyard enthusiast needs is a plastic magnifying glass and a paper cup and she\u2019s set! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dirt on Getting Dirty<\/b><\/p>\n

\"backyard<\/a><\/p>\n

But backyard science goes well beyond the ugly bug ball. \u00a0Even smaller than those creeping crawlers are microorganisms that are also at work. Often as parents we are hesitant to let those little fingers and toes get all dirty. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe want children to explore and to construct knowledge about their world, but sometimes we stifle this curiosity by trying to keep them safe–and clean.\u201d<\/span><\/i> (Paul Chesler, Instructor, Child Development and Education Division DeAnza Community College, Cupertino, California, <\/span>Young Children. <\/span><\/i>May 1996. p. 28) <\/span><\/p>\n

Scientist Jack Gilbert, author of <\/span>Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, <\/span><\/i>studies microbial ecosystems at the University of Chicago. \u00a0In an <\/span>interview with NPR<\/span><\/a>, he shared that most parents are over washing and over sterilizing. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s fine to wash their hands if there’s a cold or a flu virus around, but if they’re interacting with a dog, and the dog licks their face, that’s not a bad thing. In fact that could be extremely beneficial for the child’s health,\u201d <\/span><\/i>Gilbert shared. According to his studies, an increased exposure to germs can actually boost immunities and decrease allergies. \u00a0So let him play in some of that \u201cgood clean dirt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Nature of Nature<\/b><\/p>\n

The natural world used to be all around humanity, but because of urbanization, few children have access to nature. \u00a0When we think of sending children out to play, we think of slides and swings. However, according to <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a>, \u201cChildren prefer outdoor places that allow personal investigation.\u201d (Ruth Wilson, <\/span>Fostering A sense of Wonder During the Early Childhood Years.<\/span><\/i> 1993. p.131)<\/span><\/p>\n

\"backyard<\/a><\/p>\n

By nature, children are drawn to nature. \u00a0They need to connect with the world around them because they are a part of it. Giving them the opportunity to explore the backyard and beyond builds interest and curiosity, as well as allowing the whole child to grow in his natural surroundings.<\/p>\n

Wonder as You Wander<\/b><\/h2>\n

Wonder is part of the joy of childhood and asking questions is paramount to wondering. \u00a0\u201cAs teachers [and caregivers] we may often feel the impulse to simply respond with answers, but if we let go of our image as suppliers of answers, we too can become immersed in the act of wonderment\u201d writes Michael Elsohn Ross, author of <\/span>Sandbox Scientist–Real Science Activities for Little Kids. <\/span><\/i>(<\/span>Young Children. <\/span><\/i>March 2000. p. 12)<\/span><\/p>\n

\"backyard<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Asking questions is instinctive for children, but we can take learning to a higher level as we ask questions with them. \u00a0How are our senses affected by what we are experiencing? \u00a0What is happening? \u00a0Why and how is it happening?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Discovery through our questions not only develops a scientific observer, it develops the skills of a lifelong learner who loves to explore and discover. <\/span><\/p>\n

8 Backyard Science Adventures<\/b><\/p>\n

Here are a few ideas for some exciting exploration:<\/span><\/p>\n

Field Journal- <\/b>Have your child document the question of the day. \u00a0Here are a few to get you started. \u00a0Drawing pictures of her experiences not only helps with observation, but increases language, small motor, and art skills as well.<\/span><\/p>\n