Between the ages of 6-10, curiosity, wonder and openness are already natural inclinations, often displayed through spontaneous questions, exploration, and a fascination with the world. This skill is readily observable in children’s interactions, such as their delight in learning about animals, space, history, or technology and their natural interest in peers’ perspectives. At this age, children can develop this skill further by being encouraged to:
- Encouraging open-ended questions: inviting children to ask questions without fear of judgment helps them explore different viewpoints.
- Promoting explorative play and activities: storytelling, hands-on experiments, and guided nature walks teach children to view the world with wonder.
- Practice perspective-taking: exposing children to different cultures, ideas, or historical events builds openness and understanding of diverse perspectives.
The benefits of these activities manifest in children’s growing engagement in learning. Research shows that students supported in developing curiosity, wonder, and openness are more likely to ask thought-provoking questions and engage fully in learning activities. They exhibit greater enthusiasm for exploring diverse topics and show an enhanced ability to understand complex ideas.