"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." -- Rachel Carson
Cultivate Curiosity: 7 Tips For A Summer Of Wonder
"This summer, rather than trotting out those math minute homework books or challenging my children to complete the library's reading adventure, my focus will be on nurturing their curiosity. Instead of rote homework, we'll put those math and reading skills to work exploring ideas that truly excite the kids.
It's not that I expect them to be the next Albert Einstein, of course. I believe curiosity and wonder are the foundations of a compassionate life. If we cannot stand in wonder before our own treasures, if we are not curious about the people, places, and ideas around us, how can we concern ourselves with making the world a better place?
Like empathy, curiosity can be practiced. It is a way of interacting with the world. Even more encouraging, curiosity is contagious. The more you share your passions with your child, and the more room you give them to explore their own, the more curious you both will become. By allowing yourself to be awestruck, you'll find yourself on new adventures that feed your soul, touch the lives of others, and make the world a brighter place."
During the course of the schedule-driven school year, it can be difficult to find open-ended time to nurture our child's sense of wonder. As summer holidays begin, consider the tips in this week's featured article on ways you can cultivate curiosity in your children. Create time and space for them to experience awe and wonder, both of which can contribute to increased happiness, compassion and empathy.
It's not that I expect them to be the next Albert Einstein, of course. I believe curiosity and wonder are the foundations of a compassionate life. If we cannot stand in wonder before our own treasures, if we are not curious about the people, places, and ideas around us, how can we concern ourselves with making the world a better place?
Like empathy, curiosity can be practiced. It is a way of interacting with the world. Even more encouraging, curiosity is contagious. The more you share your passions with your child, and the more room you give them to explore their own, the more curious you both will become. By allowing yourself to be awestruck, you'll find yourself on new adventures that feed your soul, touch the lives of others, and make the world a brighter place."
During the course of the schedule-driven school year, it can be difficult to find open-ended time to nurture our child's sense of wonder. As summer holidays begin, consider the tips in this week's featured article on ways you can cultivate curiosity in your children. Create time and space for them to experience awe and wonder, both of which can contribute to increased happiness, compassion and empathy.
Reading Corner
Title: Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World
By: Julia Rothman
Ages: 3-10 years
Why? "See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you." -- Publishers
By: Julia Rothman
Ages: 3-10 years
Why? "See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you." -- Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be the Change
As the article suggests, meaningful family conversations are one of many ways you can cultivate a sense of curiosity in kids. Here are 29 discussion questions you can use to prompt big-hearted conversations with your kids this summer! There's even a little poster you can print out and keep for handy reference :)
