Beyond the Classroom: Let's Get Curious

The Beyond the Classroom Blog Series includes tips and tricks from Westside's Counseling and Learning Support Teams. 

11.15.22 - Let's Get Curious

Written by Westside's Learning Support Team

Giving children the opportunity to be curious and explore their environment is crucial for their development and well-being. Curious children are more likely to learn, retain information, stay involved, and excel in school. Fortunately, children are naturally curious and want to know everything about the world around them. Here are some simple strategies for nurturing and developing your child’s natural curiosity. 

• Show them the world. Attend local festivals, visit a museum, go to the farmers market. 
• Spend time together as a family. Bake a cake, go for a walk, play a board game. 
• Encourage natural interest. If your child is interested in a topic or activity, provide them opportunities to explore their interests and participate in that activity.
• Wonder aloud. Say out loud, "I wonder why the leaves on the trees are green?" and invite them to be a part of the inquiry. 
• Ask open-ended questions. Use words like who, what, when, where, why and how when asking questions to avoid yes/no answers.
• Prompt thinking. When your child has a question, ask for their thoughts first before answering.
• Let kids be kids. Unstructured play is a great way to nurture and develop your child's curiosity and sense of discovery.
• Explore with your children. Let your child’s natural curiosity lead them down new and exciting paths full of adventure and learning!