164 - Susan Engel: Do We Become Less Curious As We Grow Older?

Susan Engel's "American Kindergarten" offers a deep exploration of early childhood education in the United States through observations and stories from various kindergartens. Engel investigates the current state of kindergarten education, highlighting the balance between teacher-driven activities and the importance of play in fostering children's learning and development. The book draws attention to the dramatic shift that children experience when entering kindergarten, where the emphasis often moves from play-based learning to structured academic instruction. Engel examines the implications of this transition on children's intellectual and emotional well-being, questioning whether current kindergarten practices adequately support their cognitive growth and curiosity. With rich descriptions and insightful analysis, "American Kindergarten" provides a critical perspective on the challenges and opportunities in early education today.

Susan Engel's "The Hungry Mind" delves into the origins and development of curiosity in young children, exploring how this fundamental drive shapes their early learning experiences. Engel investigates the ways in which children's innate curiosity propels them to explore the world around them, seeking new information and constructing their understanding of reality. The book examines the conditions and environments that either foster or hinder the development of curiosity, emphasizing the importance of open-ended exploration and discovery. It challenges traditional educational approaches that prioritize rote learning over inquiry-based learning, advocating for a more child-centered approach that nurtures and celebrates children's natural curiosity. Through research and insightful analysis, "The Hungry Mind" provides a compelling case for the critical role of curiosity in children's intellectual and emotional growth.

Susan Engel's "The Intellectual Lives of Children" explores the development of curiosity and invention in children and how these two elements come together to facilitate the pursuit of ideas from a very early age. Engel argues that children begin to develop and pursue ideas much earlier than previously thought, showcasing how these ideas can be both concrete and abstract. The book aims to demonstrate the developmental journey through which curiosity and invention evolve and merge to become fundamental tools for pursuing ideas. It emphasizes that these tools enable children to explore and solve problems related to abstract concepts like justice and the universe, as well as concrete issues. Through this exploration, the book challenges conventional perceptions and offers a new perspective on children's intellectual capabilities and their engagement with the world around them.