Do you know how to nurture your children's curiosity and help them grow? This blog goes through the Tiny Tots Awe-Inspiring approach and ways you can apply the same transformative methods at home.
The Magic of New Experiences
Every activity we plan is designed to introduce something fresh—a new skill, a unique challenge, or a surprising discovery. While children explore these activities, our observations help us better understand their needs and interests.
Here's what we watch for:
- When to Step In: Does your child need encouragement, comfort, or a challenge? Be mindful of their behaviour—they'll show you when they're ready for more or when they need a break.
- Developmental Milestones: Notice what they can do now and think about the next skill they can build. For example, if they're stacking blocks confidently, they might be ready to try building a simple structure. Allow for old skills to be practiced in different situations too.
- Social Preferences: Observe how they engage with others. Do they gravitate toward peers, or are they more comfortable with adult interaction?
- Learning Styles: Children learn in diverse ways—some love hands-on activities, others prefer to watch and imitate. Recognising children's learning preferences can make learning more effective.
- Combining Skills: Watch how your child integrates new and existing skills. Allow for old skills to be practiced in different situations.
Here are some ideas for Awe-Inspiring experiences you can try:
- Build an obstacle course and navigate a way through it, work as a team but permit for trial and error - mistakes can make for great discussion.
- Create a sensory bin with various loose parts/materials e.g. shells, pebbles, fabric scraps or anything to inspire open-ended play where children have a choice of different things to explore without direction.
- Get close to nature, walk through a stream, climb a tree, look for bugs under logs, make a rock pile, anything that could stimulate the senses.
The Power of Connection
At the heart of every activity is the bond we create with children. Relationships are the key to fostering confidence and curiosity.
How to Build Bonds:
- Have one-on-one time — read a story, share a craft, or simply talk.
- Create “islands of intimacy” without distractions for deeper connection during play.
- Communicate non-verbally, think about facial expression, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and body contact/proximity.
Timing Is Everything
Interaction is essential, but knowing when to step in (and when to step back) makes a big difference:
- Observe: Children don't always need you to talk or participate with them while at play. Quiet observation of play may help you learn about interests, learning styles, needs.
- Avoid Interrupting: Don't disrupt their focus unless necessary. If they're deeply engaged, let them explore without interference.
- Follow Their Lead: Let your child initiate conversation or ask for help. This empowers them to feel in control of their learning.
The Benefit of Natural/Real Resources
The materials you provide can inspire hours of exploration and creativity. Loose parts—like stones, buttons, or sticks—are excellent for imaginative play because they have no predefined purpose. Real flowers/fruits for instance, stimulate more senses than plastic ones. What happens if we squeeze them, smell them, touch them or open them? This hands-on discovery is full of opportunities to learn.
By creating awe-inspiring experiences, nurturing connections, and providing the right resources, you can help your child grow in confidence and curiosity. Remember, it's not about perfection—it's about being present and observing the magic of childhood unfold.
What's the next awe-inspiring activity you'll share with your child?