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One of the best parts about spending time with children is seeing their natural curiosity. They are full of questions, continually exploring and trying to understand the world around them.
You can encourage children’s love of learning by how you respond to their questions.
Inquisitiveness is tied to academic achievement. A recent study found that children whose curiosity was encouraged by their parents were more likely to succeed in school. The benefits were especially noticeable in creative and scientific fields. (1)
How to Encourage Childhood Curiosity
How can you foster your child’s curiosity? The short answer is: pay attention and listen. Then, respond in a way that encourages them to find the answers. Here’s a few more tips about how to raise a curious kid.
#1: Explore
When your children ask questions, encourage them to explore and find answers for themselves. If they ask questions about nature, take them on a walk. Let them stop and dig in the dirt, look at bugs, pick leaves from the ground and hunt for other natural treasures. If they’re asking outlandish questions, it’s OK to redirect them. Steer them toward the answers while giving them the space to experiment.
#2: Look things up
At some point, your kids will start asking difficult or complex questions. If you don’t know the answer, find information together. Go to the library and find a book on the topic in question. Work with them to find information online. Explore several different ways of conducting the research. When children take an active role in learning, they’ll better remember lessons they’ve learned. They’ll also learn how to look things up and find information. Plus, it’s fun and interesting for everyone.
#3: Find experts.
Parents are experts on many things, but they don’t know everything. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, help your child understand that they are surrounded by people with special expertise and a lifetime of experiences. Whether it’s grandpa, a neighbor, a teacher, or someone at the community center, there are people who would love to share their knowledge with a child.
Your children are extraordinary individuals who love learning. If you want to help nurture their development, encourage their questions and curiosity.
Kidspace provides child care in an enriched environment that fosters curiosity, creativity and problem solving. Contact us about our early childhood education curriculum. We have programs for preschool through school-age kids.
- Blad, Evie. “Cultivation of Curiosity in Children Linked to Later Aptitude in Science.” Education Week. August 11, 2014. Accessed online August 6, 2016. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2014/08/cultivation_of_curiosity_in_children_linked_to_later_aptitude_in_science.html