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Approaches to Learning
Promoting Curiosity
WiseTip: AL-CUR-M0009-I01A

Try to figure out what captures your baby’s interest or the skill your baby is trying to master. Then, create a safe and acceptable way for them to explore that more.

0-9 months
Interaction with child
WHY IT MATTERS

A longitudinal study at the University of Minnesota followed 26 children from when they were 18 months old until they were 4 to 5 years old. This study found that infants with

secure attachments

Secure Attachment - The infants use the parent as a secure base. When separated, they may or may not cry, but if they do, it is because the parent is absent, and they prefer her to the stranger. When the parent returns, they actively seek contact, and their crying is reduced immediately.1

1. Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development (9th ed.). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education.

to responsive caregivers scored higher on curiosity measures and were more likely to freely explore the environment around them. Securely attached infants also displayed more
ego resilience

Ego Resilience - A capacity that enables individuals to adapt to constantly changing environmental demands.

, which meant they could respond flexibly, persistently and resourcefully, especially in challenging situations at 4 to 5 years of age.
1
  1. Arend, R., Gove, F.L., & Sroufe. A.L. (1979). Continuity of Individual Adaptation from Infancy to Kindergarten: A Predictive Study of EgoResiliency and Curiosity in Preschoolers. Child Development, 50(4), 950.

Supportive relationships with caregivers, teachers and other adults foster academic success and positive social outcomes for children because having secure relationships helps them feel more secure to explore and ask questions.

2
  1. Hyson, M. (2005). Enthusiastic and Engaged: Strengthening Young Children's Positive Approaches to Learning. YC Young Children, 60(6), 68-70.

Read more at AL-CUR-C03.