Choose to be Curious Episode #25: Curiosity & Early Childhood - with Kate Graham
Apr 5, 2017
Join Kate Graham, the Coordinator of Early Childhood and Pre-K Programs for Arlington Public Schools, as she takes us on a journey through the world of childhood curiosity. She shares insights on how early education fosters inquisitiveness, drawing from theories of pioneers like Dewey and Piaget. The conversation highlights the importance of nurturing diverse learning environments where questions and exploration thrive. Plus, hear about community initiatives like the 'Week of the Young Child' that celebrate and engage families in early education.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lynn's Childhood Hamlet Curiosity
- Lynn Borton's parents recall her intense childhood curiosity while watching Hamlet at age three.
- She asked continuous questions, absorbing the complex story and demonstrating how feeding curiosity fuels more curiosity.
Piaget on Curiosity and Surprise
- Jean Piaget viewed curiosity as a response to surprise and incongruity between expectation and reality.
- Children act as little experimentalists, seeking out and solving problems they create for themselves.
Encourage Hands-On Exploration
- Teachers should observe and listen to children to capitalize on their natural curiosity.
- Hands-on exploration like sand, water, and mud play is essential for early childhood learning.
