"Be curious". "Stay curious". I have heard these phrases more and more frequently over the past couple of years. Some of this stems from the books and podcasts by Brene Brown that I have been enjoying recently, and some stems from the joy of watching our students here at Prescott Primary Northern be curious in their learning and play.

The questions our little ones ask us as they learn about and explore the world around them encourage me to be curious in all aspects of my own life too.

We should ask questions of ourselves, others, and our children to cultivate curiosity. Not only does it lead to learning, but curiosity builds connection and trust. It may not always feel this way, especially when conversations like this happen at the end of a school day…

Parent: "How was school today?"

Child: "Good/fine/boring"

Parent: "What did you do today?"

Child: "Nothing!"

While these responses may be quite dismissive, and perhaps even frustrating as a parent, I encourage you to ask questions that cultivate curiosity and build on your connection with your child. Talking about the day at school is a wonderful opportunity to learn about how your little one is doing, as well as show them that you care and want to be involved in their world.

Try asking your child open-ended questions such as:

• "What was your favourite part of school today?"
• "What activity/lesson did you like the most? What did you like the least?"
• "What parts of the day went by quickly? What parts felt as though they went by really slowly?"
• "What made you laugh/smile at school today?"
• "What is something that you heard today and you are still thinking or wondering about?"

I am sure you can add to this list of curious questions! This style of questioning can be fun conversation starters with your family around the dinner table, or part of your child's bedtime routine.

Some children may need time to relax and decompress after their big day at school before they may be willing to engage in these types of conversations with family members. Observe, follow their lead, stay curious, don't give up, and connect with your little one in engaging ways.

As teachers, we endeavour to create a safe and supportive environment to cultivate curiosity amongst our students. We want our students to be curious, to be hungry to learn more, to harness creativity and innovation, and to be fully engaged in their learning and their play.

One way that we can encourage curiosity as both teachers and parents, is it to be a learner alongside our students. We can be co-learners and try new things, read new books, try a new hobby and continue to be curious in the world around us.

How are you going to be curious this week? What questions are you going to ask your children to cultivate curiosity in their young lives and in your family? Be curious. Stay curious.

Have a blessed week ahead with your family.

Tamara