Teaching Beyond Instructions: Nurturing Curiosity in Children
You know those conversations that just stick with you? This week, I had one of those moments with a teacher, and it's been on my mind ever since. Maybe you've been there too, whether you're an educator or a parent—it happens more often than not, right?
So, here's what went down: I was chatting with another teacher about play provocations in Early Childhood classrooms. You know, those intentional setups that spark meaningful play? The topic turned to whether giving kids step-by-step instructions and showing them finished products affects their creativity. I mentioned how I prefer open-ended invitations in my classroom, and let's just say I got a look that said, "Are you serious?"
I really felt for this teacher. But it got me thinking. It made me realize how much our education system sometimes focuses on telling kids what to think rather than how to think.
I'm not here to criticize anyone—this teacher is dedicated and doing her best. But it's got me asking a big question: What's our goal in teaching?
Are we here to spoon-feed information and answers, or are we trying to spark curiosity, wonder, and critical thinking? Especially nowadays, with information so easily accessible, this question feels more important than ever.
If this hits home for you like it did for me, stick around. We're diving deep into inquiry-based and play-based learning. I truly believe it can revolutionize how we teach and connect with our kids.