How Do Children Gain General Conceptual Knowledge?
Children learn concrete concepts and abstract concepts through multiple experiences and discussion with someone who is a little more knowledgeable. Concrete concepts include fish, tree, and decay while abstract concepts include evaporation, food webs, and photosynthesis. In nature, children learn concrete concepts using their senses to see, hear, touch, smell, and even taste. • During a stroll through the park, children may observe a bird building her nest from bits of grass and twigs. • They may remark on how a chipmunk and a squirrel are different. • Children can also see leaves changing colors. • Pointing out these features and talking about them will enhance children’s conceptual knowledge. Abstract concepts are often learned through talking about observable phenomenon. • During an excursion around a pond in a gentle rain, children often ask many questions. • “Why do raindrops cause rings on water? “Do frogs get cold in the rain?” • “Where does the rain come from?” “Where does all
