Hi Reader,

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I hope you are having a wonderful week! Today, we continue our series on nurturing your child's growth through play and everyday activities. Let's explore why curiosity matters and how to foster it in toddlers and preschoolers.

As someone always accused of being too curious, I am ready!

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​What Is Curiosity?

For toddlers and preschoolers, curiosity means asking endless "why" questions, exploring their surroundings, and using their imagination in play. Whether examining a bug up close or turning a cardboard box into a rocket ship, curiosity drives their desire to learn and grow.

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Why Is Curiosity Important in Early Childhood Development?

Curiosity is key to learning. It builds problem-solving skills, fosters creativity, and supports cognitive growth. When children engage in activities like block play, they ask questions, test their ideas, and find different ways to do things, which are critical for their development.

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How to Support Curiosity in Your Child

Here are some simple and effective ways to nurture your child's natural curiosity:

• Answer Their Questions: Respond to their "why" questions and explore answers together.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper thinking with prompts like, What do you think will happen?" or "Why do you think that happened?"
• Encourage Collections: Support their interest in collecting items (rocks, leaves, etc.) and help them explore patterns or stories behind their finds.
• Provide Open-Ended Play Materials: Wooden​ blocks or loose parts inspire exploration and creativity.
• Allow Time for Free Play: Unstructured time lets children follow their interests and make discoveries at their own pace.
• Introduce New Experiences: To expand their understanding of the world, go on outings, such as a nature walk or museum visit.

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Hands-On Play Activities

Try these simple ways to spark your child's curiosity:

• Nature Hunt: Go for a walk and let your child collect leaves, rocks, or flowers. Ask, "What do you notice?" or "How does it feel?"
• Block Tower Challenge: See how high they can stack blocks or how far they can build a bridge. Talk about what works and what doesn't.
• Mystery Box: Fill a box with random household items, such as buttons, fabric scraps, or keys. Let the children explore and guess what each item is for. **Keep the child's age in mind and choose items that do not pose a choking hazard.

These playful activities help kids ask questions, test ideas, and discover new things!

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​Books to Inspire Curiosity

Nurture your child's love of learning with these books:

​Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

​Curious George by H.A. Rey

​If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian

​Screens Away, Time to Play by Kailan Carr

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​What Hinders Curiosity?

While fostering curiosity is essential, certain factors can actually limit a child's natural curiosity:

• ​Too much screen time.
• An over-packed schedule with little time for free play.
• Toys that leave little room for imagination by doing the thinking for them.

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Want To Learn More?

Check out our blog post, Exploratory Play, for ways to inspire curiosity in toddlers and preschoolers.

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Get Curious The Week!

Celebrate your child's curiosity this week by embracing their questions, explorations, and discoveries. Whether it's getting outside, building with blocks, or asking many questions, these moments help them learn and grow.

What will you and your child discover together this week?

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All the best,

Kimberli and Joseph

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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars

Read Across America Week provides ​year-round fun reading activities for kids​ daily, weekly, or monthly. Take advantage of the celebrations this week and throughout National Reading Month in March.

Week of the Young Child 2025 will occur from April 5 to April 11. It is a fun-filled week where childcare providers and families come together to celebrate the importance of early childhood education (from birth to age 8).

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