We should seek to see our world with fresh eyes, and to wonder about it. We need to be neotenous – retaining childlike dispositions into adulthood. Berger, 2014
While preparing a meal recently, my grandson, Samuel, asked, “How does the egg stick to the shell? Let’s use the laptop to find out, Grandma”.
His curiosity took us on a journey of discovery as we spent time searching for the information he desired. His delight and excitement in his newfound knowledge were infectious and I found myself equally fascinated and excited as we discovered an Emu egg incubation and hatching, ‘A Chick Called Albert’ and the adventures of a Barn Owl family to name but a few.
As we know only too well, this kind of exploration and discovery always leads us in many directions and have further questions and ponderings/wonderings. So, for now, the learning journey continues.
As educators, (both formal and informal), we encourage curiosity in children as they build their understandings of the world around them.
In a blog for CORE Education (core-ed.org), Philippa Nicoll Antipas discusses the need for educators to be curious.
We know from observing our children that curiosity drives a need to know; a desire to find out; that it can be the spark that can ignite a passion. To be curious is to be driven to learn. It opens doors and makes us eager to explore.
You can access the blog here:
Pleasurable interest in children and their conversations, their fascinations, enjoying the unpredictability of where the learning will lead, relishing the spontaneity of that ‘in the moment’ opportunity ready to be seized, reveling in the journey no matter the destination; are all indicators of effective practitioners who have a genuine passion and respect for the richness of each experience and, themselves, curious co-constructors alongside our children.
How privileged we are that children share their gifts of curiosity, awe, and wonder with us each day.
What do you do to nurture your own curiosity? What are you fascinated by? Do you experience awe and wonder in the things around you? For me, it can be as simple as a sunrise/sunset, a visit to an art gallery, or the hatching of an Emu egg!
And just in case you have found it a little tricky to have retained your enthusiasm for awe and wonder during the last couple of years, you may find these books are like a literary lifebelt and help to keep you afloat.
Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark
by Julia Baird
In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy
by John O'Leary
Why not pop over to the Services Offered/Universal CPD page of the website for more information about the course below, then get in touch for a chat. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Creativity Across Learning
Creating contexts for learning through exploration, play, and inquiry that drive communities of learners and practitioners to ‘dig deeper and explore wider’.
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