Curiosity
How curious are you? Do you ask lots of questions? Do you wonder about how things work or why the world is the way it is out loud? If your answer to these questions is mostly “not really” then I urge you to dive in and get curious! Really, right now get curious about why curiosity is the single most powerful instigator for deep meaningful learning!
Sure, you could believe me, or you could believe the great questioners—scientists—and the data of why curiosity is good for your brain. I’ll tempt your curiosity with a little brain knowledge. When you get curious the chemistry of your brain changes which allows you to better learn and retain knowledge. In a 2014 study researchers monitored brain activity with an MRI machine and found that when curiosity gets piqued the hippocampus (which involves creating memories) becomes more active and a circuit in the brain lights up and causes your brain to release the chemical dopamine (pleasure messenger). Curiosity literally creates fireworks in the brain and generates a meaningful, lasting memory! If you find this curious, check out the Science of People. I love brain facts, especially related to learning and education so here are two more deep dives for you to rabbit hole here and here.
As a parent you are your child’s curiosity model. When you make mistakes and choose to ask questions and pursue knowledge you are setting the beautiful example for your child to follow. Living your life each day as a learner fuels your child’s appetite for learning. One daily way to get curious together is at the dinner table. Ask your child what flavors and spices they taste and explore where tonights ingredients came from. Next, branch off into curiosities of the day, problems that occurred, or perhaps explore a box of big or silly questions.
If your child loves to ask the famous “why” or tends to slam you with an array of big life questions when you least expect it (especially when you are trying to get out of the house) consider keeping a big questions list handy or create a jar of curious questions ready to explore later. When they stump you simply say “that’s a great one, let’s add that to the jar!” If you need some curiosity inspiration try these awesome Table Topics, these boxes of questions are sure to spark some creative conversation!
In a world of high-tech gadgets, advances of A.I., and information at our fingertips the process of getting curious can feel unnecessary however getting curious may be the very thing your brain needs, the very thing your family needs to build deeper and more meaningful connections. So, how will you grow curiosity at home?