Exploring the World through the Curiosity Approach® in Early Years
The early years of a child’s life are a time of wonder, exploration, and continuous growth. It’s a time when every experience contributes to the foundation of a lifelong love for learning. Among the many educational philosophies and approaches designed to nurture young minds, the Curiosity Approach® stands out for its emphasis on encouraging a child’s innate curiosity.
Why is curiosity important in the early years?
Why is curiosity important in early years education? Take a moment to consider this—what would your answer be?
Curiosity is a big force behind learning and development. In the early years, children are naturally curious, constantly seeking to understand the world around them. This curiosity motivates them to explore, ask questions, and engage with their environment. By encouraging this natural inclination, we help children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for learning that will serve them throughout their lives.
When children are curious, they are more likely to be motivated learners. This learning process is vital for cognitive development and promotes confidence and independence in young children.
What is the ‘Curiosity Approach®’?
The Curiosity Approach® is a pedagogical philosophy developed by Stephanie Bennett and Lyndsey Hellyn. Since its introduction in 2017, it has gained widespread recognition for transforming early years settings.
The Curiosity Approach® focuses on understanding the reasons behind what we do in early education. With more children spending time indoors and using technology, Stephanie and Lyndsey noticed that children were becoming less creative, less able to think critically, and less interested in play. Many nurseries have seen similar issues, with concerns about children’s behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and a rise in SEND referrals.
To address these challenges, the Curiosity Approach® combines ideas from well-known educational methods like Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Emmi Pikler, and New Zealand’s Te Whāriki. It takes the best parts of these approaches and adds a mindful twist, creating a child-centred way of teaching that encourages exploration, play, and the development of important life skills.
What does the Curiosity Approach® look like in an early years setting?
In an early years setting, the Curiosity Approach® creates an environment that feels like a home away from home, where children feel comfortable, inspired, and free to explore. Instead of filling the space with traditional plastic toys, this approach encourages the use of natural, open-ended materials like wooden blocks, shells, fabrics, and other items that spark the imagination. These resources don’t have a fixed purpose, allowing children to use them in countless creative ways, promoting imaginative play and problem-solving.
The setting itself is designed to be calm and welcoming, with soft lighting, cosy corners, and plenty of natural elements. This creates a space that feels safe and nurturing, helping children feel relaxed and ready to explore. The focus is on creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages curiosity and engagement.
In a Curiosity Approach® setting, children take the lead in their learning. Educators observe and support each child’s interests, offering opportunities for them to follow their curiosity. This might involve setting up activities based on what a child is currently fascinated by, whether it’s building, painting, or role-playing. The approach places a strong emphasis on play and exploration, recognising that hands-on, experiential learning is crucial for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Educators following the Curiosity Approach® are also mindful and intentional in their interactions with children. They take the time to understand each child’s needs and interests, building strong, trusting relationships. This approach helps children feel valued and supported, developing a sense of confidence and security in their learning journey.
Myths and misunderstandings surrounding the Curiosity Approach®
There’s a common misconception that the Curiosity Approach® means letting children do whatever they want, resulting in a chaotic environment. In truth, it’s about promoting thoughtful, child-led learning in a carefully crafted space. Another myth is that it demands costly, instagram-worthy resources. The reality is quite the opposite—the emphasis is on using natural, open-ended materials that spark creativity and exploration without straining your budget.
Some also believe the approach is too unstructured. However, it’s rooted in deep understanding and intentional planning, ensuring children’s developmental needs are met while they enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace. The Curiosity Approach® isn’t about how your setting looks or the resources you use; it’s about embracing old-fashioned play, utilising recycled materials and loose parts, and resisting the push towards formality and placing children at the heart of everything we do.
Bringing back the sparkle to early years education
There are many benefits to adopting the Curiosity Approach® but one of the most wonderful benefits is how it can bring back the sparkle and reignite the passion in early years educators. Over time, it seems that many educators have become disheartened, feeling that paperwork has taken over, leaving little time to truly engage, play, and connect with the children. And in addition to this, it can sometimes feel like electronic gadgets and toys are doing more playing than the children themselves.
The Curiosity Approach® shifts the focus back to what really matters—encouraging children’s creativity, imagination, and joy for learning. By moving away from rushed schedules, strict routines, and an overemphasis on academics, this approach helps educators rediscover their love for their work. It encourages us to slow down, build meaningful connections, and create a space where both children and educators can truly enjoy learning through play.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Curiosity Approach®, visit the website, where you’ll find a wealth of information in their knowledge centre—ideal for helping you understand this approach and how to start implementing it in your early years setting. We hope you’ve enjoyed this article! If you’d like to read more, feel free to explore our blog page or sign up for our quarterly newsletter. And if you’re already using the Curiosity Approach® in your setting, we’d love to hear from you! Share your story with us by contacting marketing@connectchildcare.com, and you could be featured on our blog.
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare