2 minute read
The Power of Curiosity: Building Connections Through Questions in Preschool (The Glen, Spring 2024)
Questions are more than just inquiries; they are bridges that connect young minds to the world around them. In our dynamic Reggio-inspired preschool, questions ignite curiosity. They foster connections among children, their peers, and their educators.
When a preschooler asks a question, they engage in a fundamental process of discovery and learning. Imagine there is a ball being passed back and forth between students and their peers or educators. With each toss and catch, an opportunity to expand on the previous thought is created. This curiosity drives our preschoolers to explore new concepts and understand different phenomena. This acts as a door opening to deeper understanding and active thinking.
In our classroom, questions cultivate a collaborative learning environment. One child’s curiosity often sparks a whole group discussion. It creates shared learning experiences, much like that ball being passed around. This collective inquiry promotes a sense of community and belonging, as children learn from one another and feel valued for their voice. They develop an understanding that each individual plays an important role within our learning community, guiding the learning in different directions with their questions.
Questions connect children to new knowledge, their peers, and their teachers. By fostering a questioning mindset, we unlock the potential for deeper learning, stronger communication, and richer emotional understanding in preschoolers. Embracing and encouraging their natural curiosity helps build a foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful relationships. Relationships built on reciprocity as that imaginary ball is returned to them.
Remember, there is never a bad question; questioning is how we learn. When we stop questioning, we stop learning. So, as you answer your hundredth “why” or “how come” of the day, respond with an open-ended question to continue your game of “Question Catch” with your preschooler. It may lead you both down a road of discovery, learning about something new together.
