“Curiosity in children is but an appetite for knowledge.” – John Locke
This explains why kids are so full of questions. They want to know more.
The world around them fascinates them and they’re constantly seeking answers to understand what’s happening around them.
Still untouched or corrupted by the harshness of realities, they’re busy exploring the world they inhabit.
Curiosity becomes the foundation of their lifelong quest for learning and knowledge.
They are curious, want to explore, have plenty of questions, need answers to understand and interpret the novelties of life.
And the outcome of this curiosity is that it develops their thinking. Their cognitive, creative and critical thinking gets constantly exercised and tested.
As parents and educators, it becomes our responsibility to ensure that they get ample opportunities to keep that fire lit and burning bright.
By encouraging their curiosity, you can ensure that every day feels like a new adventure, with enough opportunities for them to explore and experiment.
Here is a list of 15 activities to make every day an opportunity to explore.
1. Nature Walks with a Twist
Go for a walk together in nature. It can be the neighbourhood park or a trail. Let them collect leaves, stones, flowers, sticks (and they’ll love doing that). Show them the different shapes, textures and colours. The varieties will trigger their curiosity about the natural world.
2. Kitchen Experiments
Let them help you around in the kitchen. Involve them in preparing something simple, like a sandwich, or even baking. Measuring, variety of ingredients, the process will fascinate them into wanting to know more. Plus the added benefit of getting to eat something they prepared!
3. Treasure Hunts
Nothing like a treasure hunt to keep their interests soaring. Create simple clues for them to follow. It builds their critical thinking, logic, problem solving and observation skills in a fun way. It also teaches patience and persistence.
4. Story Starters
Building a story allows them to use their imagination. That in itself will inspire further curiosity about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the story. Every twist and turn in the story will require them to think creatively.
5. DIY Science Projects
Do simple science projects like the vinegar and baking soda volcano or growing crystals. The hands-on experience will create excitement and inspire them to ask questions. Many such science kits are available in the market. Let your child pick what interests them.
6. Mystery Object Game
This simple game is for toddlers who believe in exploring the world around them through touch. Hide the object inside a bag, or sock, and let them guess the object by its texture, shape and size. You can also ask them to close their eyes to make it more challenging.
7. Building Challenges
Their creativity and imagination go wild as they build using cardboard boxes or popsicle sticks, straws, building blocks, or even Legos. Let them figure out how to balance a tower or build a bridge.
8. Stargazing Adventures
May not be possible in the urban landscape but build their curiosity about the space and universe by visiting the planetariums or star gazing from your window. Get ready with the answers as they get amazed by the stars and constellations.
9. Ask the Why Chain
It may get exhausting but the ‘why’ chain is a great way to keep the questions rolling. Anytime they ask a question, you follow it up with a ‘why’ question.
Why is the sky blue? – Why do you think the sky changes colour?
Why do I have to sleep early? – Why do you think you need your 8 hours of sleep?
10. Reading with a Twist
Don’t restrict the reading to specific types of books. Get books with clues, or instructions to follow or an interactive book which gives answers if you flip the image. This makes reading a fun and engaging activity while also creating interest.
11. Gardening Together
Gardening can become a live project that you can do together and provides sufficient opportunities to foster curiosity. From selecting the seed to potting it, watering and watching it grow will infuse their minds with many questions. Productive way to get them interested in nature and environment.
12. Art Exploration
The creativity of each child, together with the uncorrupted imagination, is pure and honest. Provide the art supplies and give them a free hand. Create imaginary situations or characters and ask them to bring it to life.
13. Map Adventures
Maps and globes can provide your child with unrestricted access to the world. Show them the locations of important places, oceans and seas, mountain ranges, rivers, deserts. Relate them with places they’ve read about or visited.
14. Everyday Puzzles
Everyday challenges like tying shoelaces, buttoning their shirt, untangling headphones or opening the jar can help them focus on doing mundane yet essential activities. Let them figure out how to do them and become independent.
15. Question of the Day
Use bedtime bonding time as time to get them to think. Review the activities of the day or ask thought provoking questions. It will encourage them to think further, and understand better.
Final Thoughts
Curiosity is not about just asking questions; it’s about wanting to know more. And children are natural eager beavers. They’ve an endless supply of questions.
But as they keep growing, their curiosity diminishes with time until it finally fades away.
Don’t let that happen. Keep the fire burning. Let the questions keep coming.
You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive toys to inspire curiosity. Simple everyday activities can keep the child excited and wanting to learn more.
What activity do you plan to do together today to fuel the curiosity of your child this weekend?