How to keep your little ones’ curiosity alive?
What is it that gets children to develop love for learning? It’s curiosity.
Practicing mental math, becoming early readers, exploring art – all these contribute towards developing a sharp mind. But beyond these basic skills, keeping their curiosity is what is most beneficial for children of all ages.
Think about it.
All geniuses, including Albert Einstein, came up with mind-boggling theories about the universe by pursuing that which their brilliant brains once didn’t have answers to.
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious,” said Einstein when asked about what caused him to unravel such mysteries that we didn’t even know existed.
Therefore, if you keep your children passionately curious, you’re already halfway done in preparing them for their academics as well as to face the challenges of the real world.
But the question is – how?
1. Do not answer their questions too soon
Children are born curious. Part of it is blocked through the years by our relentless effort put into ensuring that they had answers before they knew the process of getting them.
Rather than passively giving your children the answers to different questions, engage them in activities so that they find answers by doing.
When they ask a question, ask them, “That is a very good question. What do you think?” This will instigate them to think.
As one of the top preschools in Gurgaon, Beansprouts nurtures the curiosity of a child by following a teaching methodology that involves children exploring. There is no right or wrong answer – there are just answers.
This focus on lighting the fire helps drive real learning, creativity, and innovation.
2. Talk more!
Dedicate a specific time slot in your day to talk to your little one. A walk close to nature or a simple gaze at the stars at night qualifies as quality time spent with your child.
Talk about their day. Talk about your day.
Tell them the problems you faced while preparing breakfast or the dress that you love but doesn’t fit you anymore.
Engage them to talk about things personal to them.
This simple act of being yourself and talking can prove to be beneficial in nurturing a child’s love for learning.
“These conversations may not sound like much. But over time, they foster a positive atmosphere about thinking and learning that sends out wide ripples into our kids’ futures, the research suggests.” – Paula Spencer Scott
3. Let them explore
Your child must be allowed to explore their interest while keeping safe.
For instance, if they want to plant houseplants or understand how they grow, allow them to play in the dirt in the garden while keeping a watchful eye.
If they want to pour water out of a cup, take them to the garden and let them do it over and over again.
Do not kill their interests; allow them to explore.
4. Embrace failure
When children aren’t afraid to make mistakes, curiosity is fostered. Just because something didn’t go as planned doesn’t mean it’s useless!
Learn from scientists who conduct various experiments for decades to get to the final theory or invention.
Teach your little ones to learn from their mistakes. When something goes wrong, ask them to point out the step where they think they made a mistake. Do not punish them for it; give them more room to try.
5. Follow their lead
Let your child take charge of planning a day. Ask them how to spend the next weekend. Their idea of an adventure will almost certainly surprise you.
Then, help them work on those ideas further by planning in that direction and shopping for the things you’d need together.
All these actions will surely help you in keeping your child’s curiosity intact.
Their unending questions might stress you out at times but remember to keep calm. In fact, encourage them to find the answers to their questions themselves.
Preserving passionate curiosity in young learners will keep your child ready to face the many challenges in academics as well as real life.
Beansprouts preschool takes a dynamic, comprehensive approach towards learning with a focus on active child-centred exploratory learning experiences. We aim to empower children to become leaders of their own learning by pursuing their interests, curiosity, and their natural quest for knowledge – leading to inquiry, investigation, discovery, and active, hands-on exploration.