School Readiness at Home

School Readiness Programme: I am curious about the world around me and can ask questions

26 May 2020
School Readiness at Home

School Readiness Programme: I am curious about the world around me and can ask questions

Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and as a leading role model in their lives you are often the one they will come to for the answers. However, as they grow you can use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts.

An open-ended question cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. There are many answers, with no particular correct one.

Our teams at Kiddi Caru Day Nurseries Group use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think for themselves, make their own decisions and work things out, rather than recite a fact, as well as promoting discussion, opposed to one-word answers.

An open-ended question will intrigue, motivate, challenge and engage your child. It will encourage them to draw upon their previous knowledge which will develop their critical and creative thinking skills.

Open ended questions use wording such as:

  • I wonder if…?
  • What could we do…?
  • What would happen if…?
  • What did you notice about…?
  • Tell me about…?
  • What do you see happening…?
  • Why do you think this happened…?
  • Tell me about what you saw…?
  • What do you like best about….?
  • How can we….?
  • Can you find a way to…?

The great outdoors is a wonderful and beautiful classroom for your child to learn explore and play. Why not carry out our activities below when you are next out and about to encourage your child’s natural curiosity.

 

Activity: Bug Hunt

Get outside with our bug hunt check list to see how many items you can find. Why not work as a family to find them all, or break into teams to see who can tick everything off the list first?

Talk to your child about what you find, encouraging them to record their findings on the bug hunt sheet, draw a picture or by take a photograph. Remember to ensure that the bugs you find are put back in their natural habitat and treated with care and respect.

 

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Activity: Outside Drum

Being outside encourages your child to use all their sense. To get them moving and listening, have them collect some sticks on your next walk and then explore your garden to find the best drum. Make sure to explain to them beforehand if there are any areas they should not hit or go near.

 

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Activity: Growing Beans in a Bag

Show your child the full life cycle of plants before their very eyes, from small beans to plants that then grow more beans!

 

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Activity: Investigating Leaves

They come in all shapes, colours and sizes for your child to explore and investigate. They also provide great craft materials for your little one to include within their next artwork.

 

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