FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR CURIOSITY

1. trust in the child

(...) trust that the child wants to learn and grow—and that the child intrinsically knows what they need to be working on to develop as they should. this means that if we provide them with a rich environment to explore, we don't need to force them to learn or be worried if they are developing "differently" from their peers.

2. a rich learning environment.

(...) does not have to be filled with expensive materials. explorations in nature can be totally free, dropping a chain or string into a cardboard tube can cost nothing, and sorting out some dried beans can cost very little.

what does our child's environment llok like—the physical, the social, even the adults aroundthem? does it provide them with rich opportunitites for exploration?

3. time

allow time to explore. allow time for movement. allow time for language and conversation. allow time for building connections. allow time for wonder and curiosity.

4. a safe and secure base

are there ways to show our child that we are there for them, even (and particularly) when they are having a hard time? are we able to look them in the eye and acknowledge the big feelings they are having about things that seem small to us? 

5. fostering a sense of wonder

*** following the child is not permissiveness, allowing them to do whatever they like. we will set limits when needed, ensuring the sagety and care of themselves, their environment, and others.

but it is not being directive either. when we hear ourselves giving commands, giving lessons, or giving too much information, may we remember, ah yes, how can i find a way to step back and let them lead?

 [p. 105| allowing our child to be curious and giving them a sense of significance, belonging, and acceptance provides a solid foundation of connection and trust with our child something we will need to cultivate cooperationand when we have to set limits with them.

 WITHOUT CONNECTION, WE GET VERY LITTLE COOPERATION; WITHOUT TRUST, SETTING LIMITS BECOMES DIFFICULT.

***** about offering help

rather than rushing in to help our toddler, we wait to see how much they can manage themselves.

"would you like me or someone else to help you do that?"
"would you like to see how i do it?"
"have you tried...?"

then we help only if they want it.

****** Davies, S. (2019). The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Co., Inc.