WiseTip: AL-CUR-M0009-G01A

Approaches to Learning

Promoting Curiosity

Let your baby handle and play with materials during daily routines. For example, provide empty yoghurt cups and plastic bottles to play with during bathtime.

Segatti, L., J. Brown-Du-Paul, & T.L. Keyes. (2003). Using everyday materials to promote problem solving in toddlers. Young Children 58 (5) 12–18.

WHY IT MATTERS

To encourage young children’s curiosity, exploration, and learning, caregivers can provide novel and open-ended materials. These types of materials do not have predetermined purposes but offer many possibilities.

Shabazian, A. N., & Li Soga, C. (2014). Making the right choice simple: Selecting materials for infants and toddlers. YC Young Children, 69(3), 60-65.

Playing with everyday materials develops curiosity and promotes problem-solving in young children.

Segatti, L., J. Brown-Du-Paul, & T.L. Keyes. (2003). Using everyday materials to promote problem solving in toddlers. Young Children 58 (5) 12–18.

Divergent thinking

is a crucial initial step in developing problem-solving skills. Open-ended materials foster divergent thinking skills because children can use them flexibly and with multiple outcomes. Examples of open-ended materials are cardboard tubes, boxes, paper, blocks, and leaves.