WiseTip: AL-CUR-M0818-P01A

Approaches to Learning

Promoting Curiosity

Let your baby play with and explore new uses for everyday household objects, such as pots, safe containers, small boxes and cartons.

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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.
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

Caregivers can provide novel and open-ended materials to encourage young children’s curiosity, exploration, and learning. These 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.

Caregivers can observe what makes the child curious and offer choices for the child to pursue these interests. Children who are given the time and freedom to make play choices engage in play and sustain curiousity for longer.

Honig, A.S., Miller, S.A., Church, E.B. (2006) How curiosity leads to learning. Early Childhood Today. Oct2006, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p19-23.