Curiosity is the key to learning, starting from birth, where the level of curiosity increases, and decreases as we grow. Before babies learn how to speak, they start pointing out things that enable their curiosity, to either learn about it or have it. Since babies are innately curious, developing curiosity is not something impossible, yet it can be encouraged and become more fun in the process of learning and playing.

In the world of coding, kids become curious about how Ed and Edina understand the coding language, what robots do and how they differ from humans, and so on. Coding enables the young coders to discover a new different language, and move a few paces beyond curiosity into creation.

When the young coders are curious, they start to ask questions, and the enthusiasm for knowledge increases. Encouraging kids to ask increases their willingness to learn, and thus, they become more curious!

WondeEd provides kids with free time for meaningful play, which allows them to use their imagination and curiosity. According to Maurice Elias, director of the Rutgers Social-Emotional Learning Lab, “There are also many factors that can get in the way of your child’s curiosity, like too much screen time or over-scheduling of activities. If you do not allow some time for unstructured play, you may be inhibiting your child’s imagination.”

There are many reasons why children should be curious:

• It counteracts boredom.
• It cultivates an active mind.
• It inspires persistence.
• It sets up long-term success.
• It develops critical thinking.

How to encourage your kid’s curiosity:

• Let your kiss be kids: Kids are scientists, curiosity drives them around to explore and learn new things. Even if it sounds inconvenient, as long as they are not doing something dangerous, let them experiment.
• Change their routine: (If it is appropriate for the kid with no developmental delays) This does not mean to change the whole routine, as it is important for kids to have a daily routine. Small changes won’t harm anyone, as it will enable their curiosity and trigger their brains to discover new smells, textures, tastes, to help determine what they prefer.
• Surprise! : Positive surprises facilitate the kid’s curiosity. For example, birthday surprises make them wander about how it all happened without them knowing about it.
• Open-ended stories: Storytelling is essential for kids, but open-ended stories take them to another level. They will start imagining what happens next and become curious to know more.
• Encourage them to ask: Perhaps the first step for this one is to start asking the kids about things that may trigger their sense of imagination and stimulate their brain into thinking about multiple options and solutions. For example: “If you are able to have one super power, what would it be?” “If you get the chance to change one thing in the world, what would you change?”
• Take them to new places: New places help them discover and have new experiences and memories.