Setting up interactive activities such as science here at BestStart Totara Street not only sparks curiosity but also aligns with the principles of our New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki.
At this stage, tamariki are naturally inquisitive and science provides endless opportunities to explore the world around them. Science encourages tamariki to ask questions and investigate how things work. This supports "Exploration," developing a love of learning and curiosity.
Through hands-on learning, our tamariki develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. Simple experiments allow them to explore their environment directly and make discoveries through sensory interaction, supporting them to build a deeper understanding of the world around them.
In addition, science can support math skills, such as measurement, counting, and sorting. These activities tie into fostering competence in numeracy and literacy. Measuring liquids, comparing objects by size, or counting different materials helps tamariki develop both scientific and mathematical understanding in a fun, interactive way.
Through group experiments, children learn to share ideas and negioate building strong social and emotional skills. This can also support patience and resilience as children learn that trial and error is part of the process, which helps them develop confidence and to know "it's ok" to try again.