How to Apply Curiosity to Lesson Plans

Use curiosity to promote learning.

A deeper learning takes place when the learner has a desire to gain information. Curiosity is a key factor in creating a student that yearns for learning. When students are curious about a topic, they will beg and plead for information. Applying curiosity to lesson plans will increase student motivation.

Instructions

1. Use an attention-getting opening to the lesson. Play a song that relates to your lesson, introduce a stuffed animal or object to the class, dress like a character or makea thought-provoking statement.

2. Create a KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) chart before giving instruction. Students can give information about what they already know about the topic and develop curiosity about what they want to learn.

3. Propose questions rather than telling answers. Allow the students to generate ideas about topics, then lead them into the correct thoughts instead of simply giving them the information.

4. Lead students in "what if" questioning. After students learn the concept, allow them to experiment by changing factors. For example, what if we change the numbers in math; what if we add a different chemical in science and what if the object had not been invented.

Tips & Warnings

• Be excited about the learning. Although you may have had an understanding of the concept for years, students are more excited about the learning discovery when the teacher shows interest and excitement also.

• Curiosity and exploration can sometimes lead children in directions too far from the topic. Allow students the freedom to explore but be careful about not letting them stray too far from the lesson's meaning.

References

• Scholastic: Curiosity: The Fuel of Development
• Penn State Better Kid Care: Sparking Curiosity