Earth and Sky

Young children are naturally curious about nature and the outdoor environment. When given the opportunity, they love to investigate earth’s materials — sand, dirt, water and rocks — observe the daytime and nighttime sky and experience all types of weather. Five-year-olds notice details in the characteristics of earth’s natural materials and are able to compare their different colors, sizes, shapes, textures and weights. They have a growing understanding of time and weather, are aware of daily and seasonal changes and enjoy making and using tools to measure and record different aspects of weather. They also begin to understand that people can have a positive influence on the environment and may enjoy participating in “reduce, reuse and recycle” activities. The types of materials and weather you and your child investigate will depend on where you live and the time of year. As you investigate the earth and sky with your five-year-old, talk with them about their observations, experiences and ideas and get outdoors with them whenever you can throughout the year. When you support your child’s earth and sky investigations, they get the message that their explorations are important to you. You may notice that your five-year-old exhibits specific interests — in exploring water, observing the sky or investigating weather, for example — so remember to follow their lead! These experiences lay the foundation for your child’s later understanding of earth’s resources, earth as a home for all living things and earth’s place in a wider universe. Keep in mind that storms — especially thunder and lightning — can sometimes be frightening for young children. If that is the case with your child, read these parenting tips.