I’ve been
working diligently the past several months trying to tie in 21st Century Skills
with the early childhood classroom.
The 21st Century skills provide a bridge between the academic
skills and the social and emotional skills children will need to meet the
challenges of the future. The
amazing thing is that what we have always done naturally and well in early
childhood is the very thing promoted by the 21st Century
Skills. Centers, field trips,
providing children with choices, working in small groups, multi-sensory
learning, discovery based learning, authentic play activities, multi-cultural
education, oral language, connecting emotionally with the child… sound
familiar? Visit drjean.org
to find activities for these topics:
•
Critical thinkers
•
Problem solvers
•
Good communicators
•
Collaborators
•
Information and technology
•
Flexibility and adaptability
•
Innovative and creative
•
Globally competent
•
Self-direction and social responsibility
•
Financially responsible
•
Healthy me
My daughter
wrote a song several years ago to introduce children to the scientific
process. It provides a great
framework for problem solvers of all ages, and you can get a free download this
month on my website!
I Know a
Scientist
(Tune: “I Had a Little Turtle”)
I know a
scientist,
(Hold
up index finger.)
And you can be
one, too! (Point
with index finger.)
Here’s the
scientific method
So you’ll know
what to do.
First you find a
question. (Hold up one
finger.)
Just take a look
around. (Pretend
to look around.)
What is it that
you want to know?
Now you write it
down.
Next you make a
guess— (Hold up two
fingers.)
It’s called a
hypothesis—
About what will
happen
When you do your
tests.
Now
experiment,
(Hold
up three fingers)
Observe it, write
it, too. (Hold up four
fingers.)
You’ll need lots
of data
To show your guess
is true.
Draw your
conclusions. (Hold
up five fingers.)
Look into any
doubts.
Then tell
everybody
What you’ve found
out!
*Have
children recall the scientific process by asking, “What do scientists do?” Whenever children ask questions,
experiment, record information, etc. remind them that they are scientists, too!