By- Emma Lawson
Even as a fully grown up woman, I still get excited at the sight of the smallest aquarium in shopping malls or pet shops. There is something inexplicably mesmerizing and beautiful about them, and it always makes me want to linger and explore the tank’s content.
The youngsters tend to be even more impressed by this sight, so why not utilise their interest in aquariums and make it a proper learning adventure? Here are some of the educational benefits of visiting public aquatic worlds or having one of your own at home.
Vocabulary Enrichment
Going through a list of unknown terms is not the same as having the living representation of it in front of you. For little ones, visual stimuli play a substantial part in their cognitive growth, so we should expose them to it from a very young age.
Whether they’re only identifying the animals they see, or they can even discuss the features of various species, aquariums are a potent learning tool for kids’ vocabulary enhancement.
Tactile Experience
If you’re a licensed teacher or you know one, you have probably heard of the term realia. Basically, this refers to the real life items that are used as teaching aids. The presence of living, animals in the aqua worlds take the learning process a step further.
Some public aquariums have the so-called “touch tanks” where kids can be acquainted with all sorts of textures and surfaces present in the water world, or pet the animals like dolphins, (friendly) sharks, seals or orcas.
Imagination Kick-Start
Have you heard that Christopher Columbus thought that he have discovered mermaids on one of his travels, when he had in fact encountered manatees? Ask your child about it, and they’re certain to devise plenty of theories about it.
To find out more and get the answers to their questions first hand, pay a visit to the nearest water world. The myriad of breath-taking colours and unusual textures and shapes of the under-the-sea setting will easily spark your kid’s imagination and inspire them to create (draw, write, etc.)
The Versatile Educational Tool
Aquariums and water worlds are not only a thrilling sight, but also an educational tool that attracts a wide variety of learners. For instance, predominantly visual learners will be drawn by the vivid tints of the fish and the coral reef. Some of the fish species even glow in the dark! The auditory types of learners will be equally engaged by the sounds animals are producing, or the guide’s lectures. Lastly, the kinaesthetic learners will enjoy roaming and exploration of the premises.
Part Of The Educational Programme
Many school classrooms have a small-scale aquarium of their own, and you may decide to replicate this in your home as well. It will be a feast for the eyes and the mind for you and your children alike. Still, before embarking on such an adventure, make sure you have obtained all the necessary aquarium products for the chosen species. Finally, the water worlds also have educational tours for different age groups so you can take advantage of this as well.
Nurturing The Interest In Independent Research
You may be paving the path for the future marine biologist or natural scientist by taking your little ones to the aquarium. This will nurture their already curious nature and allow them to grow into attentive and organised individuals.
Apart from being a thoroughly enjoyable activity, a visit to the aquarium offers a plethora of educational content. Alternatively, you can built one at home and provide a constant source of inspiration for your kids.
