Using Science and History with young children in the classroom

Children are born with a sense of wonder and a desire to understand the world around them. Through play young children, learn a wide variety of science concepts. Young children love to ask questions about how things work and why things are the way they are.

It is important to focus science lessons on things that young children can see, hear, taste, smell and even touch if it is suitable. March is it perfect time of the year to start long-term science projects such as growing plants.

Be observant and listen for questions that children do not put into words. Children's actions, like digging in the dirt can give us a clue for what they are wondering - Does anything interesting build a home in the dirt? These types of questions are often the perfect starting point for direct investigations and conversation as compared to children’s verbal questions. 

Curiosity motivates children to explore and try new things and this is an important scientific attitude. Creating a safe environment where children can explore and discover things nurture their curiosity and promotes scientific learning.  

      

Social science is also a great opportunity to spark an interest in learning. History like science relies on question-asking. Often stories about historical events have been told by men and those with powers. By using a wide variety of books and materials and allowing kids, even young children, to look for information they learn to develop their own interpretation. 

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March 2022 Reading!

Abracadabra! Spring is in the air and having spring-themed books is a great way to get kids in the mood for observing the changing season. Spring offers a wide variety of books that celebrates the arrival of baby animals, blooming flowers and trees. 

Kids learn in many different ways. Poems, fictional characters can teach lessons in new and exciting ways. So rather than simply talking about a topic, you can use stories to explore a topic. Reinforcing healthy eating and healthy habits can be done in a fun and educational way by using books. The characters in a book can be used as a tool to inspire young children to be more adventurous and taste different types of food. Combing the reading of books about food with cookery will reinforce the message to try new things.

Gardening books are a great way to help children learn about where their food comes from and who grows it. Taking time to explain words and looking at pictures give kids time to explore their curiosity and ask questions.  What do they think the fruit or vegetable tastes like? Ask open-ended questions to invite kids to explore their own ideas about healthy eating and gardening. Books can plant seeds for healthy habits,  and gardening books can spark interesting discussions about the joy and importance of gardening.

You can use historical fiction to provide a rich learning environment. Picture books are engaging and full of interesting information so they provide a great starting point for exploring events and people. Picture books also provide visual and contextual clues to how people dressed and how they lived. A great way to ensure that students learn and remember is to ask them to draw and write about the person or the event. 

History promotes multiple perspectives and history introduces children to characters who have different points of view. In addition, the characters may solve an issue or problem in a different way. March is a wonderful time to read books about amazing and fantastic women. Tailor a book display around Women’s History Month, and encourage your kids to learn about the important contributions of women throughout history.

Happy Reading!

March 2022 Products

Spring is knocking on the classroom door! From rainbows to healthy eating and remarkable women, you’ll find exciting resources in my TpT shop that will help you plan March in your classroom. It might seem like yesterday that we were coming back from the winter break, and now we are starting to count the days until the Spring break arrives. 

St Patrick’s Day is a holiday that observes the death of the patron saint of Ireland. This March 17th you can celebrate all things Irish in your classroom. St Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast but it is now grown to an international festival where people eat Irish food, take part in parades and dancing. People are wearing green shamrocks and dressing up Irish fairies called leprechauns. The Emerald Island with its rich history makes a fantastic topic for a project. 

The warmer weather might spark another green project. Gardening offers a fantastic opportunity to meet science standards. Growing beans is an easy way to see the progress of each step in the life cycle of beans. Exploring different types of veggies and discussing if you eat the top or bottom can result in a really interesting discussion. Gardening projects can also have a healthy focus and vegetables like carrots can be explored from a healthy eating perspective. 

Celebrate the new life born on the farm with a project.  Farm animals are a great topic that can be expanded to include science and social studies lessons on sustainability and food chains. Drawing is an important form of communication and using directed drawing is a great opportunity to enhance drawing skills. You’ll be amazed by the finished drawing of cows, sheep, pigs and other farm animals.  

Finally,  March is women’s history month. Dedicate this month to reflect on and explore often-overlooked contributions of women to culture, history and society. History is filled with remarkable women from Helen Keller, and Amelia Earhart to Marie Curie and Malala Yusafzai. Read about the exciting life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the 2nd woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court!

All resources may be found in my store!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Thebeezyteacher

Let your classroom bloom with fresh ideas as you welcome Spring!