How do four-year-olds primarily gain knowledge about their environment?

Four-year-olds primarily gain knowledge about their environment through listening and watching because these methods engage their natural curiosity and support their observations of the world around them. At this age, children are very attuned to their surroundings, learning not only through their experiences but also by observing the actions and reactions of adults and peers. This observational learning is critical for language development, social skills, and cognitive growth.

While reading books can enhance a child's understanding, it typically requires some prior knowledge or context that they might not have. Formal classroom instruction is less common at this age, as children benefit more from interactive and experiential learning. Although playing games can contribute to learning, the process of listening to stories, conversations, and various sounds around them plays a more significant role in their developmental phase and understanding of their environment.