5
As human beings, we have a deep, inborn curiosity about ourselves and
the world we live in. This is the driving force behind learning throughout
our lives.
For children, exploring and investigating is a natural part of the learning
process that helps them to understand their surroundings.
This is because children are curious and motivated to learn all the time,
not just in educational settings. Sometimes educational environments
can have the opposite effect and actually dull a child's desire to learn.
Today's challenge is to fuel that desire for learning. Building on children's
natural talent for exploring is important not only at school, but also later
in life when children grow up to become part of a constantly changing
society.
Associate Professor Hans Henrik Knoop of the Danish University
of Education says: "Nothing is more important for our children
than being able to follow their natural desires for learning
and creativity. If we manage to create environments that
support and challenge children just right, we have a good
chance of seeing the next generation not only living up to
our standards, but in many respects going beyond them."
Learning as natural as breathing
4
Min-ah Kim,
Early Years Teacher, Daegu, Korea
LEGO
®
Bricks are a great hands-on
tool to use with young children.
Right away they are curious to see
what they can build and create.
They challenge their own skills,
constantly improving constructions
and exploring possibilities.
Often this process helps them
understand concepts from their
everyday life.
