Robust Preschool Science Curriculum in Tarzana, CA & Surrounding Areas

Why Science Is Crucial in Early Childhood Education

Science is all around us, from the cars we drive to the weather outside. Because science is such a significant part of our lives, it only makes sense to get preschoolers interested in the subject. Getting a head start on science increases understanding of the world and prepares children to succeed in the kindergarten classroom. At Woodcrest Preschool, we’re committed to giving our students a solid grounding in science. Based in Tarzana, CA, we also welcome students from Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, West Hills, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, and Agoura. Our team works to create a comprehensive science curriculum with preschoolers’ unique needs in mind.

What’s Included in a Preschool Science Curriculum?

The science classrooms at Woodcrest Preschool are constantly introducing new preschool science activities and experiments. Teaching this subject is especially exciting because the world is your oyster! Young children can benefit from learning a wide range of scientific topics, from exploring the world of dinosaurs to investigating how rainbows are formed. Here are just a few topics a preschool science curriculum may incorporate:

• Animal science
• Geology and rock formation
• Weather
• Health sciences
• Technology
• Human development
• Magnets
• Machines
• Exercise and fitness
• Nutrition

Science Sparks Curiosity

No matter your age, science sparks our sense of curiosity. And what better time to encourage curiosity than the years when children are most apt to ask questions? Early childhood educators know how bombarded they are with questions every day, and science allows kids a way to find their own answers. Not only does science create a sense of curiosity, but it also promotes investigating your questions and taking steps to understand the world.

Enhances Confidence in Being on a Team

For many preschoolers, working on a team is completely new territory. Fortunately, preschool science curriculum allows for plenty of chances to work with their peers. Whether kids are taking on an experiment or creating their own hypotheses, science class is the perfect place to start honing their social and collaboration skills.

Allows for Observation and Investigation

Kids are always observing the world and asking inquisitive questions. But parents and caretakers don’t always have time to guide children as they take in the world. In a preschool science class, observation and investigation are encouraged. Giving children a space to ask questions can go a long way to sparking a love of learning.

Kids Learn Important Vocabulary and Concepts

Beyond understanding scientific concepts, this subject also helps children investigate other topics. For example, kids may need to name colors as a part of a preschool science experiment or read step-by-step instructions. These tasks, while related to science, teach children lots of vocabulary words that they can use during math, art, and reading lessons. A solid science curriculum can help kids comprehend the following vocabulary:

• Numbers
• Colors
• Shapes
• Describing words
• Sizes
• Classification words
• Parts of the body
• Animals and nature words

Science Promotes Engagement

Too often, children lose out on early education by not staying engaged with the subject material. And teachers have a hard job—corralling a dozen children into their seats and holding their attention for more than a few minutes at a time. Fortunately, scientific topics can be taught in lots of engaging ways. Instructors might introduce preschool science experiments or provide opportunities for kids to get outside.

Combines Elements of Math and Social Studies

A good preschool math curriculum isn’t totally separate from science lessons! Skilled curriculum designers, like those at Woodcrest Preschool, know how to incorporate elements from a variety of subjects into one lesson. That means children don’t just learn science during science class—they get a taste of math, reading comprehension, and even social studies.

Children Develop an Understanding of the World

Children are born knowing only what they can see in front of them. As they age, they get to know more and more of what the world has to offer. Science opens a whole slew of doors that lead to the far reaches of the globe. In science class, preschoolers might learn about the animals in the savannas of Africa or discover the plant life native to the sweltering deserts of North and South America. Preschool science is an amazing way for children to investigate the inner workings of the world around them. Children develop their understanding of the world by:

• Asking questions
• Investigating topics
• Learning more about their interests
• Reflecting on the results of an experiment
• Solving problems and addressing conflicts
• Evaluating evidence and claims

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

There’s no such thing as failure in science class! Even when an experiment appears to fail, we can still learn just as much from the results. The same is true in real life—we learn so much from both our successes and mistakes. A science classroom teaches kids that it’s okay not to achieve the result you want, and we can grow just as much from a perceived failure. When children realize there’s nothing wrong with making mistakes, they’re more apt to take risks and feel confident despite missteps. The preschool science curriculum is all about creating a growth mindset!

Science Encourages a Variety of Soft Skills

A well-rounded science education has the potential to teach a wide range of soft skills. Not only do children learn about the subject matter, but they also learn to work well with others, solve problems, and develop their listening skills. Preschoolers who engage with their science lessons often hone the following non-academic skills:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Empathy
• Respect for others’ perspectives
• Problem-solving
• Conflict resolution
• Listening
• Reading comprehension

Further Explore Our Preschool Science Curriculum

Woodcrest Preschool is proud to have created a top-notch preschool science curriculum. We incorporate all kinds of learning styles, topics, and exciting activities to keep kids engaged. If you have any questions about our curriculum or classroom environment, feel free to reach out to our friendly administrative staff. We’d love to help you get to know our Tarzana, CA preschool.