Why is it important for children to be inquisitive? Firstly, it’s through questioning the world around them that children learn. Secondly, without an inquisitive nature, children simply cannot learn about their own passions.Of course, all children are to some degree, naturally inquisitive. It’s hard-wired into them to ask questions, to poke, prod and peek at everything they encounter. Thisis why we see children in shops constantly touching and trying to hold the things on the shelves. They’re trying to learn.
This independent school in Surrey ensures all children are given plenty of opportunity to explore different environments and hobbies as part of the curriculum.
If your child is given the opportunity to be inquisitive, then they naturally will be just that.
How to find the right opportunities for your child
Piquing your child’s interest might be easy or it might be tricky. Some children love any new environment and will run around and explore immediately. Others – not so much. They might already have strong ideas about what interests them and what doesn’t.
The trick is to ensure exposure to plenty of different environments as possible. This way, both you and your child will learn more about what fires their imagination.
Here are some ideas.• Check out your local museums – you don’t always have to go to the Natural History Museum or similar, larger museums. Local museums are often hugely interesting to children and they will love the fact that they’re close to a place full of curious objects. • Visit as many parks and gardens as possible – not just the local play park but the bigger, grander places. The National Trust has plenty listed and most are free to enter. They’re full of fascinating plants and trees, brooks and streams, wildlife, sculpture and other art forms. Often there are activities arranged during school holidays too.• Allow their instincts to take over – don’t stop your child from putting their hands in the mud. Let them explore the world around them. Hands can be washed but the feeling of mud between the fingers cannot be replicated. Don’t be afraid of your child getting dirty – practice common-sense and they’ll be fine!• Start a nature table – if you’re not sure what that is, it’s basically a miniature table-top museum of natural finds. Whenever your child finds a pretty stone, a cool looking shell, a beautiful branch or a gorgeous flower, bring it home. Add it to the table and together, try to find out more about the item. Once you know what it is and a few facts, help your child to make up a label about it. Over time, it’spossible to build up quite a collection including animal bones, dried snake skins, shells and fossils.
Remember that your child is a natural learner – always looking for the next opportunity. You only need to facilitate their curiosity.