Baby Learns the World Baby Observation Practice

Author: Beijing Hongen Education Technology Co., Ltd. Written by Tong Zihua, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Let's take a look at the exciting content of this book as a whole! In Units 1-11, the content in each unit is divided into four steps:
Step 1: Recognize objects through children's songs, accompanied by corresponding cartoon images.
Step 2: Learn about real images of various objects and understand related knowledge.
Step 3: Conduct cognitive exercises based on the content from the first two steps.
Step 4: Train babies' ability to observe both the whole and details.
Unit 12 provides comprehensive observation exercises based on the content of the previous 11 units.
Scientific research generally that intelligence is composed of five factors: observation, memory, attention, thinking, and imagination. Among these, observation is the most fundamental and important factor. The famous biologist Charles Darwin traveled the world during his voyages. He paid close attention to the similarities and differences of various organisms, recorded his observations and specimens, and conducted in-depth research, eventually discovering the laws of biological evolution. Darwin's success was largely due to his keen observation skills. When asked why he achieved such remarkable accomplishments, he replied, "In a word, it is to have a keen eye for observation."
Not only did Darwin value observation, but a review of human scientific history shows that almost all major inventions and breakthroughs originated from observation. Once children develop the habit of careful observation, they can discover things others overlook and engage in a series of thinking processes—such as analysis, research, judgment, and reasoning—thereby entering the ranks of high-intelligence individuals. Therefore, in early childhood education, it is essential to pay special attention to the cultivation of observation skills.
Observation is one of the primary ways children learn about the world. Psychological experiments have proven that 80%-90% of the information people receive comes through visual channels. However, the observation we refer to is not simply looking with the eyes but a purposeful, planned, and sustained form of perception.
How can we cultivate children's observation skills? First, it is crucial to foster their interest in continuous observation. Interest is the guide of the mind and the fundamental motivation for seeking knowledge. If a child is not interested in something, forcing them to do it can easily lead to rebellious behavior and hinder progress. Second, good observation methods are necessary. Generally, the order of observing objects is from near to far, from simple to complex, and from parts to the whole. For example, children can first recognize images to build concepts, then observe real objects, and engage in purposeful questions or exercises. Third, broaden children's horizons and lay a solid foundation. It is vital to teach children to combine observation with thinking. The goal is to guide them from passive observation to active observation, encouraging them to ask questions about what they observe, as asking questions is also a form of creative thinking.
Everyday life offers endless opportunities for observation. For instance, when riding a bus with your child, you can encourage them to observe passersby, buildings, and the expressions of people on the bus. For older children, you can also stimulate their thinking abilities by asking questions like, "Which trees' leaves grow first in spring, and which grow last?" Children who are good at observing can see what others miss and think about what others don't, naturally excelling in intelligence and ability.
At the same time, parents must pay special attention to the following:
1. When children observe objects, it is merely a process of knowledge input. To develop their potential, it is essential to train them to process and organize the information they observe effectively. This requires parents to ask questions about what children see at the right time, stimulating their brains to provide feedback. Through long-term training, children will develop a habit of thinking. It is important to note that when a child is observing, never distract them, as interruptions can hinder deeper thinking.
2. When asking questions, if a child cannot answer immediately, avoid scolding them. This can damage their self-esteem and make them reluctant to answer questions in the future, blocking their learning path. Instead, be patient and encourage them, ensuring they feel a sense of accomplishment. Only then can their thinking skills be continuously developed.
3. Good observation habits are inseparable from attention. Only when children are highly focused can they observe the finer details of objects. This series also includes specialized content to train children's attention, which can be used alongside this book.
When using this book, avoid simply giving it to children to solve exercises. It is best to follow the design approach: first, let children recognize the songs and images, and then proceed to the exercises. If children are not familiar with the content, direct them to exercises, which may cause resistance and hinder their ability to accept new knowledge.