Why toy blocks rock: The science of construction play
Toy blocks can help kids develop better motor skills, spatial skills, and math skills. But to unleash all of these skills, kids need to do more than move blocks around.
activities
Tangrams for kids: Educational tips and a printable template
Tangram puzzles may boost spatial skills and enhance math skills. How to start? See these evidence-based tips about tangrams for kids.
Preschool dinosaur activities: Ideas for inspiring pretend play
These preschool dinosaur activities begin with a thought experiment. If you were given a living dinosaur to take care of, what would you do? There are no rules, and kids can use a variety of props to bring their ideas to life. The goal is to learn about dinosaurs, think imaginatively, solve practical problems, and keep a record of your discoveries.
Preschool and kindergarten science activities about tracking animals
© 2009 – 2021 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved These preschool and kindergarten science activities build on what most young children are already interested in — animals! And in addition to teaching lessons about biology, they also offer kids opportunities to practice analytical, spatial, and symbolic reasoning skills. Where to begin: Free exploration with … Continue reading
Evidence-based social skills activities for children and teens (with teaching tips)
These social skills activities can help kids forge positive relationships — and better understand what other people are feeling and thinking. How can we help children develop social competence — the ability to read emotions, cooperate, make friends, and negotiate conflicts? Kids learn when we act as good role models, and they benefit we create environments that … Continue reading
Preschool science experiment: Using ice to teach kids about scientific concepts (with crucial safety tips)
© 2008 – 2021 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved A preschool science experiment is an opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of observation, prediction, and testing (Gelman and Brenneman 2004). Exciting? Yes. But it’s also tricky. On the one hand, research suggests that young children don’t think as creatively or as critically when … Continue reading
Cooperative board games for kids
Cooperative board games have a lot in common with competitive board games. There’s a board. There are game pieces. Individual players take turns. But cooperative games differ in one key respect: Everyone is on the same team, working toward the same goal. What’s the point of this? Isn’t competition a fact of life? Why should … Continue reading
Preschool number activities: How do you introduce numbers to preschoolers?
nough. Children also need to develop “number sense,” an intuitive feeling for the actual amount associated with a given number. Where does number sense come from, and what can we do to make sure kids really learn the concept of number
How to prevent summer learning loss (and still have fun)
During summer break, kids can forget what they’ve learned at school, falling months behind. But studies suggest we can prevent summer learning loss. Here’s how.
Preschool science activities: How to nurture your child’s interest in the natural world
© 2008 – 2012 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Can we design better preschool science activities? Activities that stimulate curiosity, teach science concepts, and avoid overwhelming or boring children with lessons that are developmentally inappropriate? In the article below, I review the advice of educational and cognitive psychologists about preschool science education. But if … Continue reading
Preschool science activities: Encouraging the use of science tools
Ideas for preschool science activities that encourage kids to use science tools, including a balance scale, tweezers, and sticky tape.
Preschool science experiment: Making mud bricks
This preschool science experiment is designed for kids who have already had experience playing with mud — both mixing mud and drying out mud. For best results, try this experiment after your child has explored the properties of dirt and mud. Materials Multiple dirt samples (sand, topsoil, dirt-and-gravel, etc.) Dried leaves or grass Sticks Buckets … Continue reading