From ‘Wow’ Curiosity to ‘Why’ Questioning in Primary School
The dynamic union of curiosity and questioning forms the foundation of the learning process. Standing as twin pillars, they bolster exploration and deeper understanding. Curiosity is the innate spark that causes young eyes to light up at the sight of a firefly or the twinkling stars, while questioning charts the course, guiding these youthful minds in their quest for answers.
John Locke observed, “Curiosity in children is but an appetite for knowledge.”
How astutely accurate! But when children’s questions go unanswered or their inquiries are dismissed, this fervent appetite wanes. As teachers and parents, it’s our onus to channel this natural enthusiasm into structured exploration, ensuring the flame of wonder continues to burn brightly.
Albert Einstein once confessed, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” This sentiment underscores the paramount importance of curiosity in the realm of discovery. Every monumental breakthrough, from Isaac Newton pondering the gravity of an apple’s fall to Marie Curie’s relentless questions about radioactivity, originated from this dynamic pairing. They truly are the yin and yang of the learning spectrum: curiosity ignites the desire to explore, and questioning provides the framework.
So, how can we nurture this potent duo in our primary school classrooms?
Cultivate Natural Curiosity: Cherish every “why” and “how” posed by a child. Instead of merely supplying answers, acknowledge the genuine wonder behind each question. When a child showcases their intrigue, echo it, urging them to probe further.
Leverage Stories for Interactive Learning: Narratives are powerful catalysts for imagination. By pausing periodically to ask or encourage questions about the plot or characters, we foster an interactive learning environment.
Visual Stimuli and Games: Engaging tools like picture prompts or games such as “20 Questions” not only make learning fun but also promote an atmosphere of inquiry.
Equip with Questioning Tools: Arm children with tools like laminated cards or posters featuring question starters, urging them to use them frequently. This equips them to frame their questions more effectively.
“Curiosity is the quality that urges a child to keep on finding out more, to connect actions with outcomes, people with feelings. Wondering why is the powerful engine that drives Discovery.” – Dr Stanley Greenspan, Great kids
Promote Peer-to-Peer Curiosity: Post a story-sharing or show-and-tell session, cultivate an environment where children engage with one another’s narratives through questions.
Set Up Inquiry-Based Learning Stations: Allocating spaces stocked with diverse materials or tools offers hands-on experiences, spurring exploration and naturally eliciting questions.
Weave Curiosity into Daily Routines: Even everyday tasks, like weather checks, can be moments of inquiry. Simple prompts, such as “Why do we wear sweaters in winter?” can initiate deeper conversations.
By recognizing and championing the integral role of curiosity and questioning in primary education, the journey of ‘learning to learn’ becomes truly captivating. Through these methods and approaches, we’re not merely imparting academic subjects; we’re laying a foundation for lifelong inquiry skills, adaptability, and innovative thought. In doing so, we prepare our students for world rich with continuous learning, and the blueprint for discovery and innovation.
Flame the spark of curiosity into a fire to innovate…
About the author: Gayethri Mote is a Teacher Educator and an expert on Learning Skills at Innerscore
