Nurturing a love of learning in young children is one of the most critical roles of an early childhood educator. When children develop a passion for learning early on, it sets the stage for lifelong curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to explore the world around them. But how can educators and caregivers effectively nurture a love of learning? Here are some strategies that can make a significant impact.
Provide a Variety of Learning Experiences
Young children benefit from diverse learning experiences that engage multiple senses and learning styles. Offer a variety of activities that include hands-on projects, visual aids, music, movement, and outdoor exploration. By providing different ways for children to engage with material, you help them discover how they learn best and keep them interested in new experiences.
Experience Curriculum provides educators and children a variety of learning experiences every day that:
- Are researched-based and meet all 50 States and NAEYC standards
- Support the development of 35 skills for a child’s on-going social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive development.
- Individual, large group (music and movement, Circle Time, Community Challanges, dramatic play), small group (math, literacy) experiences.
- Engaging, well-rounded child-friendly themes that include three main categories:
- 1. Me and My Community
- 2. Nature
- 3. Ecosystems
- Children are introduced to new concepts, vocabulary and ideas every day.
Create a Safe and Encouraging Environment
Children thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged. This means creating a space that is both physically safe and emotionally nurturing. When children feel secure, they are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and explore new ideas without fear of failure. As educators, we can build this environment by being responsive to children’s needs, offering praise and encouragement, and providing opportunities for children to express themselves freely.
Experience Curriculum helps you create a positive environment with tools including:
- Setting up and using a Calming Corner
- Using a positive approach to big emotions
- Teaching social-emotional lessons with Forest Friends
Build Strong Relationships
A child’s relationship with their caregiver or educator plays a significant role in their love of learning. When children feel connected to the adults in their lives, they are more likely to engage in learning activities. Take the time to build trust, show interest in their lives, and provide emotional support. Building caring, nurturing relationships requires consistent effort and investment in each child’s social-emotional development. Strong, positive relationships can make all the difference in a child’s educational experience.
Incorporate Play into Learning
Play is the natural way children learn. Through play, they explore concepts, develop social skills, and engage in problem-solving. By integrating play into learning experiences, you can make education fun and engaging. Whether through dramatic play, building blocks, or sensory activities, incorporating play allows children to learn in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
Experience Curriculum incorporates play with each lesson every day.
- Make & Play dramatic play props
- Math manipulatives and games
- Loose Letter parts for letter recognition
- STEAM Stations for open-ended play and discovery
- Nature-based activities
- Many opportunities to move, sing and dance
Follow the Child’s Interests
Children are more engaged and motivated to learn when the subject matter aligns with their interests. By observing and listening to the children in your care, you can tailor learning experiences to their current curiosities. For example, if a child is fascinated by dinosaurs, incorporate dinosaur-themed activities into your lesson plans. This approach keeps children interested and helps them see learning as a way to explore and deepen their passions.
Experience Curriculum is flexible and encourages creativity for educators and children.
- Take learning beyond the box by adding your own ideas and materials.
- Extend the learning on topics that children are especially responsive to.
- Incorporate additional theme ideas by mapping them out on the theme web.
- Use the included materials in your own unique way.
- Add sensory play, take the activity outdoors, or add dictation and writing to art, recording what you hear the child say.
Encourage Curiosity and Questions
Curiosity is the foundation of learning. Encourage children to ask questions and explore the “why” behind things. When a child asks a question, take the time to explore the answer together. Children need time to explore books, participate in experiments, or have simple discussions. By valuing their questions and showing enthusiasm in finding answers, you reinforce the idea that learning is an exciting journey.
Experience Curriculum encourages curiosity and questions every day by:
- Providing child-friendly theme information, poster with a color picture of each topic and a question prompt every day to support discussions at Circle Time.
- Each activity includes question prompts to help you engage with the children as they work.
- Process art experiences that allow for exploration and creative expression.
Model a Love of Learning
Children often mirror the attitudes and behaviors of the adults around them. Children will likely adopt the same mindset if you show excitement and curiosity about learning. Share your enthusiasm for discovering new things when reading a book, solving a problem, or trying out a new activity. Let them see that learning is a lifelong adventure.
Experience Curriculum helps you model a love of learning by:
- Supporting educators with fresh new and exciting resources and activities to implement every day.
- Providing ongoing training and professional development that grow your own love of learning.
- Providing tools that make your job easier preventing burn out.
Celebrate Small Successes
Acknowledging and celebrating children’s small successes in their learning journey can boost their confidence and encourage them to keep going. Whether it’s a kind word, a high-five, or a sticker, these moments of recognition show children that their efforts are valued and that learning is rewarding.
Experience Curriculum helps you celebrate every success by:
- Providing an embedded assessment system that continually tracks development and supports an understanding of each child’s successes.
- Digital tools with brightwheel to share “kudos” and daily observations, pictures and notes with families.
- Supporting you with positive interaction strategies and training.
Introduce Books Early and Often
Reading is a gateway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Introduce books to children from a young age and make reading a daily habit. Choose engaging, age-appropriate books that align with the child’s interests. Storytime can be a special bonding moment and an opportunity to ignite a love for literature that will last a lifetime.
Experience Curriculum provides books and literacy-based activities every month:
- Experience Preschool includes language and literacy every single day. Two storybooks are included monthly.
- The Experience Toddler curriculum is literacy-based and includes 4 storybooks. READ 5 Ways to Explore Literacy Literacy & Language with Toddlers
- The Experience Baby curriculum includes a board book, nursery rhyme poster, storytelling puppets, and picture cards. We provide 5 ways to read to baby each week.
Promote Autonomy and Choice
Giving children the opportunity to make choices in their learning encourages independence and a sense of ownership over their education. Allow them to choose activities, books, or how to approach a project. This autonomy builds confidence and helps them see learning as something they control and enjoy.
Experience Curriculum supports choices in learning, independence and open ended play with:
- Would You Rather? games that use critical thinking skills and logic to teach about making choices.
- Activities are hands-on and encourage movement and the contribution of unique ideas and experimentation.
- STEAM Stations and art allow for choices in play and creativity.
- Asking children open ended questions during activities and following their lead demonstrates your value in children’s ideas.
Cultivating a love of learning in young children is a gradual process that requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs and interests. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating the joys of discovery, we can help children develop a lifelong passion for learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Nurture a love of learning every day with Experience Baby, Experience Toddler or Experience Preschool!
