by Alix Tonsgard
Anyone who works with, takes care of, or parents children between the ages of two to four years knows that this is the age of “why.” While this may press your buttons and seem like a testing strategy, these questions are actually an expression of how very young children are fueled by curiosity, and innately driven to figure out how the world works.
Why questions are rich with possibilities to teach important concepts and skills. For instance, a child can learn a lot from even simple explanations – as simple as, “this plant grows because it comes from a seed.” Soon they can provide explanations themselves, so you can say, “Why do you think it happens?” That can tell you what your child thinks about the world, which opens doors for the adult-child learning partnership to reach higher levels.
Here are some ways you can encourage and extend your child’s learning.
Welcome and embrace children’s questions
To help nurture children’s inquiry, communicate positive responses to their questions—no matter how many! This will communicate to the child that their thoughts are important and that you encourage their curiosity. If the moment isn’t right, assign a time for the two of you to talk about the concept later. Can we talk about this at lunch? I’m going to think about it until then.
Give answers that extend learning opportunities
Provide children with a short explanation that can reinforce a concept and open the door to future investigations. Add a challenge to the end of an answer or connect the explanation to something they already know or are familiar with.
Instead of “I don’t know” try “Let’s find out!”
Let children take the lead role of scientist by encouraging them to problem solve and figure out the answer to some of their questions. Young children may need your help to get them started. Start by offering suggestions. Follow up after the experience by asking your child to repeat back what he or she has learned.
For some specific examples, visit my blog at dupagechildrens.org/blog.
Alix Tonsgard is an early learning specialist at the DuPage Children’s Museum.
