Did someone say science?

I apologise for the interruption, but this is not the usual sardonic/sarcastic post that I usually generate.  I will get back to those next time.  I promise.

I recently finished reading an article in Scientific American that discussed the lack of science in the curriculum of early education. They specifically mentioned pre-K through K, but I don't recall much formal education in science before the third grade. 

I agree with the article in that we are doing our children a great disservice by not starting formal science education at an early age.  There doesn't have to be a downplay, or removal, of anything that is currently being taught in early education to include science.  But it will require more early educators to be comfortable with science ... something that is lacking currently.

However, this is something that you can easily foster in the home.  Children ask a lot of questions.  Especially young children.  When they ask a question, take some time to "seek" out the answer with them.  I understand that this can not be done for every question.  (I was 12 when my youngest sibling was born.  I remember how many questions were asked each day!)  Even if you choose only one or two questions a week, you will be teaching your child the skill set they will need to reason and apply logic.  In short, you will teach them how to learn "science."  (When they grow up, they may not like doing it, but they will be able to do it.)

I was fortunate enough to grow up as my dad was going to college.  While doing his homework, he would take the time to explain to my sister and I what he was doing.  I remember sitting on his lap holding a large flash card with a letter of the alphabet on it.  He would be reading a text book, and whenever we came across the letter we were holding, we could yell and point it out.  I'm sure it was a huge disruption in his studding (when I was going to college, I would think back to this and wonder how he got any studding done!) but I am very grateful for the time he took. 

I would like to encourage all of my readers with young children to take sometime and teach your child how to use the scientific method.  If they ask a question, ask them what they think is the answer is, why they think that is the answer, etc.  Some kids will get frustrated with this method, so try somethine else.  Get them thinking any way you can.  Teach them not to be afraid of learning new things, thinking differently from others, and even getting the wrong answer.  Help them discover the joys of learning.  I believe that this is one of the most important skill sets that parents can teach their children, and I hope to pass it on to mine.

Ok, I've been preachy enough for one day.  It's time to slaughter some darkspawn.  Dragon Age, here I come!