The Power of Curiosity Building more engaged learners
Feature Impact
Young children are naturally curious. They ask endless questions, investigate their surroundings and constantly test how the world works. While that curiosity can leave parents feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, it’s one of the most important drivers of early learning and development.
Curiosity helps children build confidence, develop critical thinking skills and become more engaged learners. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and Mary-Alice Moore, president of Highlights for Children, share why curiosity matters and how parents can nurture it.
Why curiosity matters
Curiosity is the engine that drives learning for young children. When they are interested in a topic, they become more motivated to explore, ask questions and seek solutions. That process strengthens important skills such as attention, working memory, flexible thinking and problem-solving. It also helps develop confidence.
For young learners, confidence does not come from always knowing the answer; it comes from believing they can find it.
Children who are encouraged to explore their interests and investigate new ideas learn that questions are valuable and discovery is rewarding. These experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Curiosity evolves as children grow
Curiosity looks different at each stage of development. For infants, it’s largely sensory. They learn by touching, tasting, listening and observing people and objects around them.
Toddlers often express curiosity through movement and repetition. Climbing, stacking, dumping, filling and repeating the same activity helps them understand how things work and builds their sense of control.
Preschoolers and kindergarteners become natural investigators. Their frequent “why” and “how” questions reflect a growing desire to understand relationships, solve problems and make sense of new experiences and the world around them.
As children grow, the role of adults evolves as well. Parents move from primarily protecting and guiding children to fostering environments that encourage exploration and independent thinking.
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To Do
Top activities in the region
Aug. 9
The Veterans Memorial Building Council will host its Veterans Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Proceeds support the work and initiatives at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville.
Aug. 13
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live on the Boulevard Stars Talent Competition at 7 p.m. with gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter.com.
Aug. 15
Images of Hope El Dorado invites the community to the annual Picnic in the Orchard featuring cuisine from John Sanders of Old Town Grill, musical entertainment from Hither & Yon and silent and live auction opportunities from 4-8 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards, 2569 Larsen Drive in Camino. For tickets and more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.com.
n See TO DO, page 7
Carissa Piper
Behind the scenes at Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp, there are dedicated coordinators making sure the magic happens seamlessly. For the El Dorado County Office of Education, Carissa Piper is the heart of that effort.
As executive assistant to the associate superintendent of Educational Services, Carissa plays a pivotal role in serving local students and families in the community where she was born and raised. While many associate Sugarloaf with summer days in Pollock Pines, Carissa’s work behind the scenes begins as early as the fall of the prior year. Her year-round dedication supports a Sierra tradition that has inspired young artists, musicians and performers across El Dorado County for over 60 years.
“Carissa is crucial because her impact extends far beyond what most people see,” said Amy Andersen, EDCOE associate superintendent of Educational Services. “She anticipates needs, jumps in to support colleagues without being asked and consistently works to make our processes better — all with a calm and caring attitude every day.”
Beyond her year-long administrative support for Sugarloaf, Carissa helped launch THRIVE, EDCOE’s support staff professional learning community, fostering collaboration and growth across the organization. Whether organizing large-scale camp logistics or building efficiency tools for her colleagues, her talent lies in bringing people together and creating memorable experiences.
For Carissa, who is also a proud mother of two, serving her home county remains a heartfelt mission. “Seeing students leave camp more confident, creative, and connected is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” she said.
El Dorado County Office of Education
Follow your child’s interests
One of the most effective ways to nurture curiosity is to pay attention to what naturally captures your child’s attention. Whether they’re fascinated by vehicles, animals or building structures, those interests can become powerful learning opportunities. When children are engaged in topics they enjoy, attention and persistence often develop organically.
Consider what causes your child to lose track of time. Those interests provide important clues about what motivates and excites them. Rather than rushing to provide answers, encourage deeper thinking by asking open-ended questions that invite them to explore their own ideas and observations.
Parents don’t need all the answers
Many parents feel pressure to have answers for every question their child asks. In reality, one of the best responses is often “I don’t know. Let’s find out together.”
This models curiosity and shows your child that learning continues throughout life. It also transforms questions into shared experiences and opportunities for discovery. Encourage your child to remain engaged and curious using simple phrases such as:
• “That’s an interesting question.”
• “What do you think?”
• “Let’s investigate.”
If you’re unable to respond immediately, it’s important to acknowledge the question and return to it later. Following up communicates your child’s ideas and questions are valuable.
Setting boundaries
Curiosity should be encouraged, but safe boundaries remain essential. When children become interested in something unsafe, simply saying “no” may stop the behavior, but it does little to support learning. Instead, explain why something is unsafe and redirect curiosity toward an appropriate alternative.
For example, if your child wants to explore knives, explain knives can hurt people then offer safe cooking tools or supervised kitchen activities to investigate instead.
Using technology
Technology can play a positive role in nurturing curiosity when it’s used to extend real-world experiences rather than replace them.
After spotting a ladybug at the park, for example, a child might use videos or age-appropriate digital resources to learn more about insects. The real-world encounter sparks curiosity and technology helps deepen learning.
By listening, encouraging exploration and demonstrating curiosity yourself, you can help your child develop skills that extend far beyond the early years. For more parenting guidance, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool. com. Visit Highlights.com for magazines, books and resources for parents and educators.
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Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!
To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs
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More outgoing than reclusive, this M black DSH is waiting for a new place to worship. 4yr. This sleek black F DSH looks a bit like a miniature panther. Pounce on the opportunity to adopt. 10mo.
He ‘herd’ you are looking for a new companion. Stop and meet him this week. Anatolian Shepherd, cream, 3yr.
LILA (A173235)
Aug. 20
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live on the Boulevard with Folsom Lake Symphony at 7 p.m. with gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter.com.
Aug. 21
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host its Summer Concert Series at Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way from 7-9:30 p.m. with Take 2. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Aug. 29
Ag in the Classroom presents its 20 Mile Taste, 4-7 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards, 2569 Larsen Drive in Camino. The fubdraiser supports high quality educational programs to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture in our lives. For tickets and more details visit agintheclass-edc. org.
Beyond Protein
2 Nutrients Your Plate Might Be Missing
Everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing a disease like type 2 diabetes. However, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking. The latest reports show most Americans already meet or exceed recommendations for protein while nearly all (about 95%) do not eat enough fiber, and many people consume too much saturated fat versus unsaturated fat, according to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Prioritizing ways to get more fiber and healthy fats on your plate could be key to managing weight and type 2 diabetes goals this summer. One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados.
A growing body of research and materials from Avocados – Love One Today, a sciencebased resource, suggests fresh avocados offer weight management benefits, help with type 2 diabetes management and are good for blood sugar management.
Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding
1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice)
1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
3/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/3 cup chia seeds
To Serve:
1/3 cup granola
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
1 kiwi, chopped
1/2 fresh, ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
In blender, puree soy milk, avocado, blueberries, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Pour mixture into storage container or bowl and add chia seeds. Whisk well to combine. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
To serve, divide into bowls and top with granola, fresh blueberries, kiwi and avocado.
Notes: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy) that you prefer in pudding. Use fresh blueberries or conventional frozen blueberries. Other topping options include: nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, sliced banana or strawberries, or nut butter.
According to a study* of more than 27,000 adults published in the journal “Internal Medicine Review,” people who ate just over half of an avocado per day weighed 7.5 pounds less, had smaller waist sizes and tended to have healthier overall eating habits, including higher intakes of fiber and healthy fats, compared to people who didn’t eat avocados. Among the list of benefits, this delicious and healthy fruit uniquely contains fiber and healthy fats in each nutrient-dense bite which slows digestion, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer which can help you consume fewer calories overall. In fact, if you’re using a GLP-1, avocados are one of the foods to add to your menu to make small meals feel more filling and satisfying while supporting nutrient needs.
Scientists also recently took a second look at the largest study* about avocado consumption to-date involving close to 1,000 adults, per the journal “Current Developments in Nutrition,” and found that consistently eating one avocado every day for six months (no other diet changes required) significantly reduced dietary glycemic load (GL) by nearly 14 points, a metric that evaluates how what you are eating is affecting your blood sugar levels. GL may be an important consideration in the management of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. By slowing digestion, fiber and healthy fats also support stable blood sugar levels.
There are many ways to enjoy avocados, including chopped, sliced, mashed, blended, in baked goods or even frozen. Avocados add flavor, variety and nutrition across the day.
Try these recipes for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding, Avocado Breakfast Bowl with Leafy Greens for your next breakfast or snack.
*Remember: Small, consistent food choices can add up over time. Research suggests regularly eating avocados may support weight management and blood sugar targets while providing the fiber and healthy fats that many Americans are overlooking. These studies were supported by the Avocado Nutrition Center. While these findings are encouraging, the studies highlighted show an association, not cause and effect, and thus more research is needed to confirm these findings in other populations.
To explore evidence-based avocado nutrition information, along with practical tips and easy recipes, visit Avocados – Love One Today, a leading resource for avocado nutrition information.
Avocado Breakfast Bowl with Leafy Greens
Bowl:
1 medium sweet potato, chopped (about 1 3/4 cup) nonstick cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup water, plus additional for boiling eggs, divided
2 eggs
2 cups arugula
1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup pickled red onions
Avocado Tahini Dressing:
1/2 large avocado
1/4 cup tahini
1 lemon, juice only (2 tablespoons)
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh chives salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 F. Add chopped sweet potato to baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil then add smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt. Toss to coat in spices. Bake 22-25 minutes, or until tender.
Heart-Healthy Frozen Avocado Banana Paleta
1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
4 cups orange juice
2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
8 paper cups (5 ounces)
8 wooden craft sticks
In blender, blend avocado, orange juice, bananas and lime juice on high until smooth. Divide into paper cups. Cover cups with aluminum foil. Insert one stick through center of each foil. Freeze 4 hours until firm.
In medium saucepan, add quinoa and water. Bring to simmer and cover, cooking 12-15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
Fill small saucepan with water and bring to boil. Use slotted spoon to lower eggs into water. Cook 8 minutes then transfer eggs to bowl of ice water to cool before peeling.
To make dressing: In small blender, puree avocado, tahini, lemon juice, water and
fresh chives until smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, to thin until pourable. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Assemble bowls, each with 1/2 sweet potato, 1/2 cup quinoa, 1 egg, 1 cup arugula, 1/2 avocado, 2 tablespoons pickled red onion and 3 tablespoons dressing. Reserve remaining dressing in refrigerator.
INDY (A171681)
She would walk 500 miles just for you to adopt her. Race on down to the shelter today. GSD mix, black & tan, 27mo.
KITTEN FEST
Lots of cuties to pick from each week. They arrive so quickly we have difficulty getting all their pictures.
To
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Kitten and cat purrs are like magic. They soothe your soul. M, DMH, white with black, 4mo.
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She is sure you will love her at first sight. Stop by the shelter and meet this B&W GSD mix. 14wks.
JJ (A157219)
Not a human and not a rabbit but he might like to play some football with you. B&W, Lab mix, 2yr.
House rabbits are quiet pets perfect for apartments and small homes. Hop to it, only one available this week.
• Gift boxes of all sizes for any
RABBIT
The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a nonEPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.
*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities
The Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Program (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version.
Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers!
The Driving Clean Assist ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lower-income residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.
Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
CLUES SOLUTIONS
1 exerting force against (7)
2 beyond understanding (10)
3 view offered by a drone (6)
4 NASA helicopter on Mars (9)
5 coordinated meeting (10)
6 sci-fi writer Clifford (5)
7 hunter’s subsistence partner (8)
We are one of 280 clinics nationwide that
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.
This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.
As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.
Placerville, CA
The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.
The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.
“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient
