While iPads, smartphones, and computers might come to mind first, technology is defined as the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Everyday technology surrounds children from fasteners on toys and clothing to household tools and kitchen gadgets. While tinkering with simple tools and devices, children will be inspired to ask questions and discover the mechanics of how things work. This natural inquiry process supports their developing interests in science, engineering, and mechanics which also promotes essential creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Begin by exploring common items with your child to encourage hands-on learning experiences.
Thrift stores are full of mechanical tools perfect for exploring how things work. Be sure to check all items for safety and loose parts. Explore different things together to invite curiosity during play.
Typewriters
It’s fascinating and fun for children to type onto paper and immediately see the results of their actions. On most typewriters, children can also see the mechanics of how letters are placed on a page. Children love exploring letters through typing, where they can play with letter identification, work on spelling, and discover a new way to “write.”
Hand-Crank Eggbeaters
Invite children to explore hand-crank eggbeaters in the bathtub with bubbles. It’s fun to see how gears work to move the eggbeaters around. Children can see the direct impact of cranking the handle at different speeds too!
Ice Cream or Cookie Scoop
The ice cream or cookie scoops with levers allow children to investigate how pushing a lever moves part of the scoop in a sweeping motion. Explore these tools with play dough to encourage children to examine how they function.
Flour Sifter
Metal flour sifters with squeeze handles or cranks can be used for cooking or even in a sandbox to see how the material moves through the sifter. The child’s movements impact how much flour or sand can move through the sifter.
What objects would you add to the list?