The ‘i’ in curiosity

Recently watching some David Attenborough’s shows made me think about the complexities of our world and the environment around us… The extensive and exhaustive detail in every episode is simply astounding!

Gaining Information and knowledge about creatures that exist, the suitable environments, the climate, the origination of life... made me realise that one of the key traits that makes us.. ‘Humans’ different is our potential to improvise, adapt and learn… also called ‘CURIOSITY’

CURIOSITY… it is simply a strong desire to know or learn. We are all born with this desire or trait BUT the capacity to exercise this is depends on the the opportunities we create or have from our surroundings and the personal choices we make.

Children as small as babies constantly have the urge to explore, to experiment and to ask questions as we all know.

We have all been targeted with a ‘Why?’ from children and managed to either answer or dodge but Feeding into this urge and leading their curiosity in the right direction will define their reactions, decisions and finally their actions.

On the path to become “The Seeker of Knowledge“

Bombarding with information and INTRODUCING facts is just the first step to arouse curiosity and advance our brains. We can provide children with multiple opportunities to develop by spending time with them from day 1 and giving them various experiences in their natural surroundings.

These encounters will naturally fascinate and captivate the curious beings and INTRIGUE them to seek out for more … demanding similar or different experiences whether they are in the form of books, toys, their surroundings or simply just in nature.

Once they are intrigued they will automatically want to INVESTIGATE and this is where we can offer them boundless opportunities and resources to help them to examine and be adventurous in their thinking.

Some may use their imaginations to create new things or discover new methods...leading to abundant thinking and creative skills, revelations and learning in the process. Quite a few of us will admit that a lot of communication is also developing simultaneously with negotiations, explanations and decision making discussions.

As children continue to develop their curiosity and acquiring knowledge in various fields of interest, we as adults can INSPIRE them to extend, expand and challenge their own understandings of the world.. taking the risks, dealing with Failures and emerging stronger and some cases wiser!!

Thereby IGNITING a positive attitude to learning with an unstoppable quest for knowledge and insatiable curiosity.

Finally, amidst all the learning and the race to acquire cognitive skills , another important aspect is the ability to INTROSPECT… reflecting upon their actions, emotions within and around them.

AND THAT COULD BE A DISCUSSION FOR ANOTHER TIME….…..

By Anu Raina