Cultivating curiosity: The engine of learning and innovation

Curiosity is your child's superpower in a future where innovation and continuous learning are key.

Curiosity is the secret sauce to learning. It’s what compels your child to ask, “How does an airplane stay up in the air?” or “Why do rainbows appear?”. These seemingly simple questions are the foundation of discovery and growth, equipping your child to become an engaged, thoughtful global citizen.

As one of the seven C.O.U.R.A.G.E. strengths, curiosity is a superpower that every Ranger Buddy embodies. As curious heroes, Ranger Buddies constantly ask questions to explore the world, understand its challenges and seek solutions to improve it. This article delves into the incredible power of curiosity, exploring how we use it to enhance learning, understanding and critical thinking. Most importantly, it offers practical tips for parents to nurture this vital skill.

What is curiosity and why is it so powerful?

Curiosity, in the context of learning, is the drive to explore, ask questions and seek answers. Every child is born with an innate sense of wonder. They poke, prod and ask “why” about everything. But as children grow, if not encouraged, this natural curiosity can fade.

There are two types of curiosity^[1]:

• Innate curiosity: The natural inclination to explore and understand the world.
• Cultivated curiosity: The curiosity that grows when nurtured through encouragement, exposure and engagement.

Curiosity is more than a character strength; it’s a tool for cognitive growth. When your child is curious, their brain releases dopamine^[2], a feel-good chemical that enhances focus and memory. Studies show that curious learners perform better academically, as they’re more likely to retain information and apply it to real-world scenarios^[3].

Curiosity also fosters critical thinking^[4]. When children ask “why”, they learn to analyse, question and connect ideas. These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom, fostering a love for lifelong learning.

Why curiosity drives better learning

Have you ever noticed how your child becomes completely absorbed when they’re trying to figure out how a toy works or when they’re deeply engrossed in a nature documentary? That’s the magic of curiosity at work.

Curiosity engages children on a deeper level because it transforms passive learning into active exploration. Instead of simply memorising facts, curious kids actively seek answers, making learning more meaningful and effective.

Encouraging your child to ask questions, and modelling that behaviour yourself, promotes this active learning. The right questions open doors to critical thinking and problem-solving. For example, instead of asking, “What did you learn in school today?” try, “What surprised you the most today?”.

Curiosity also builds resilience. When kids are invested in finding an answer, they’re more likely to persist, even when the learning process is challenging. This persistence is a key ingredient in academic success and personal growth.

How to encourage curiosity

It’s all well and good advocating the need for curiosity in your child’s life. But it’s also common to have some reservations, especially when you don’t feel your child is particularly curious or you don’t know where to start incorporating it into your lives. Here are some common questions you may have and some tips to overcome the challenges.

What if my child isn’t naturally curious? It’s true that some children are naturally less curious than others, and that’s OK. The good news is that curiosity can be nurtured in any child. Start by observing what captures their attention, whether it’s animals, sports, or outer space. Use those interests as a springboard to ask questions, introduce new ideas, or plan related activities.

How do I balance curiosity with academic discipline? The truth is, you don't need to choose between the two – curiosity and academic discipline go hand in hand. When curiosity is woven into everyday learning, children become more engaged and retain information more effectively. Let your child's teachers know of your child's natural interests, and collaborate with them to connect schoolwork with their interests and hobbies.

How do I handle endless “why” questions? The way a child learns about the world around them is to ask questions – lots of them! Yes, it can be tiring answering them all, but it’s important to provide answers and acknowledge their interest. You don’t have to have all the answers and it’s OK to say you don’t know. It’s also not good to always feed your child answers, but rather let them explore and discover the answers for themselves. Use such moments as opportunities to explore together. Respond with, “That’s a great question. How can we find out?”. Teaching your child to seek answers fosters independence and problem-solving skills.

How to foster curiosity at home

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. Here’s how you can create an environment that encourages curiosity:

• Create a curiosity-friendly home: Surround your child with books, puzzles and toys that encourage exploration. Set up a “discovery corner” with magnifying glasses, art supplies or science kits to spark their imagination.
• Encourage open-ended questions: Instead of focusing on right or wrong answers, ask questions that invite exploration. For example, “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How would you solve this problem?”. This reduces the fear of making mistakes and fosters creativity.
• Turn learning into an experience: Children learn best through hands-on activities. Cooking together can teach measurements and chemistry, while a trip to the park or zoo can spark interest in plants, insects and wildlife.
• Model curiosity: Let your child see you asking questions and exploring your interests. Your curiosity is contagious!

Curiosity is the foundation of efficient learning and personal growth. It creates better engagement, improved memory, critical thinking and resilience. By encouraging your child’s innate wonder, you are both preparing them for lifelong learning and equipping them with the tools to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

So, the next time your child asks, “Why does the moon follow us?”, don’t rush to answer. Instead, join them on the journey of discovery. After all, curiosity isn’t just for kids; it’s a superpower we all need to embrace!

Through Ranger Buddies missions, children exercise curiosity to discover the world, learn about the issues it faces, and find creative ways to tackle different challenges. Check out what’s on today!

REVIEWED BY DR JACQUELINE CHUNG

References

^[1]Gash, D. (2023, November). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-reboot/202311/the-psychology-and-neuroscience-of-curiosity
^[2]Medical Daily Staff. (2014, October 31). How curiosity enhances the brain and stimulates the reward system to improve learning and memory. Medical Daily. Retrieved from https://www.medicaldaily.com/how-curiosity-enhances-brain-and-stimulates-reward-system-improve-learning-and-memory-306121
^[3]University of California - Los Angeles. (2011, October 27). Curiosity primes the brain for better learning. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027150211.htm
^[4]PSMGT. (n.d.). Building critical thinking skills: Encouraging curiosity and inquiry. Retrieved from https://www.psmgt.org.uk/building-critical-thinking-skills-encouraging-curiosity-and-inquiry/