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Sense of wonder and curiosity
Sense of wonder and curiosity
What is a sense of wonder and curiosity?
A sense of wonder and curiosity is the ability to express your wonderment and get excited about learning. Some child-friendly slogans are:
- Observe the world
- Ask questions
- Find out more
Why is a sense of wonder and curiosity important?
A sense of wonder and curiosity helps children to show an interest in the world they live in and be unafraid of asking questions, exploring and discovering new things.
How can you nurture a sense of wonder and curiosity in your children?
How might children demonstrate a sense of wonder and curiosity?
Here are some examples of how children might demonstrate a sense of wonder and curiosity through their actions, speech and behaviour:
- Get excited about things and changes occurring in the environment.
- Ask questions about why things happen and how things work.
- Show interest in exploring and discovering new things.
Local story
My Special Place by Pebbles (2011)
The main character in the story is very interested in the environment around her. As she explores through her different senses, she asks questions to help her make sense of the world. Using the story of the main character's exploration and curiosity, guide children through the process of recognising and valuing the disposition of a sense of wonder and curiosity with the following steps:
1. Introduce the story
Introduce the story of the main character's observations and curiosity as she asks questions to make sense of the world around her.
2. Discuss
Engage children in a discussion about the main character's actions and how she demonstrated a sense of wonder and curiosity through her exploration and questioning.
3. Identify a sense of wonder and curiosity
Encourage children to identify and recognise the sense of wonder and curiosity demonstrated by the main character in the story.
4. Value a sense of wonder and curiosity
Discuss the importance of curiosity and how it can lead to learning and discovery, and encourage children to appreciate and value this disposition.
5. Encourage exploration
Prompt children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and seek to understand the world around them
Download the book and accompanying teacher’s guide in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
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Resources
- Engagement
- VSLD: How can you do it?
- Printable: PRAISE Learning Dispositions
- Educators’ Guide for Values, Social and Emotional Competencies and Learning Dispositions
- Activity ideas which showcase learning dispositions
