Why is it important?


Children are naturally curious, as educators it is our role to encourage and develop this to enable them to learn through their interests and investigations. The more curious a child is the more observant they are, which in turn encourages deeper thinking and an ability to figure things out.


How can resources help create curiosity?


Open ended resources are key, the more prescriptive they are the less thinking and imagination is encouraged. Mixing formal resources with those collected from nature and everyday life leads to more informal and child led play. Low level units filled with natural resources and blocks allows children the freedom to choose their own path of play rather than being ‘told’ what and where they should play. Stripping settings back to more natural environments, rationing more over-stimulating items such as brightly coloured plastic will lead to a calmer and more relaxed learning environment where children will want to ask questions.


Alphabet and Number Coloured Cups


Plastic cups can be used to create a wonderful resource for use on a light box. Use the cups for number and letter recognition, stacking, playing with light, colour, and shadows. Encourage children to start experimenting through their play – asking questions about why/who/ where, introduce investigation through senses and building structures. Choose bright, colourful cups for more impact on your light box.


• Use an oil-based pen or Sharpie to write your numbers and letters on the base of the upturned cups. • Paint over the base with a water-based sealer, 2 or 3 coats will make them last longer.


What you’ll need


• D52696 Investigation Station Light Box • 754740 Sharpie Twin Tip Makers • 707479 Water Based Varnish


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Shop Little Learners ypo.co.uk/earlyyears


Provoking Curiosity in Early Years


What can we do to encourage curiosity?


Praise children for being curious, what makes children want to do more of something than being rewarded? Teach children to ask questions, ‘what?’ ‘why?’ ‘what if?’ ‘how?’. If a child is confused by something, help them see it as a puzzle to be solved rather than an obstacle. Put children in mixed groups, a child who is endlessly curious may encourage this in a child who is less inquisitive. Engage children in conversations where questions are asked on both sides, a curious educator naturally creates a curious child.


In order to encourage children to use their own curiosity to develop their knowledge, it is important to use resources which encourage independent thinking skills. We have chosen some resources which will enable and empower children through the opportunity to investigate and observe rather than simply following others.


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