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Curiosity and wonder are at the heart of the desire to learn and the development of a love of learning that can last a lifetime. But what do curiosity and wonder look like in our classrooms? How can you drive learning through curiosity for preschoolers? What about infants and toddlers?

In this course, you will explore why curiosity and wonder are at the core of learning in early childhood, learn about ways to make your classroom environment a playground for curious minds, and discover a world of amazing resources from the Smithsonian Institution to inspire young learners.

Course Information:

• Start Date: Available on-demand
• Course Level: Beginner
• Target Audience: Education Staff
• Course Requirements/Prerequisites: None
• Course Meeting Times: None
• Completion Timeline/Duration: 45 Days

Course Objectives:

• Explore why curiosity and wonder are at the core of learning in early childhood. 
• Learn about ways to make your classroom environment a playground for curious minds.
• Discover a world of amazing resources from the Smithsonian Institution to inspire young learners.

Head Start Alignment:

The Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) is used by the Office of Head Start to ensure that learning content is developmentally appropriate for young learners. The content in this course aligns with the following ELOF standards:

Infants and Toddler Domain:

• Goal IT-ATL 6. Child demonstrates emerging initiative in interactions, experiences, and explorations. 
• Goal IT-ATL 7. Child shows interest in and curiosity about objects, materials, or events.
• Goal IT-ATL 8. Child uses creativity to increase understanding and learning.
• Goal IT-ATL 9. Child shows imagination in play and interactions with others.

Preschool Domain:

• Goal P-ATL 10. Child demonstrates initiative and independence.
• Goal P-ATL 11. Child shows interest in and curiosity about the world around them.
• Goal P-ATL 12. Child expresses creativity in thinking and communication.
• Goal P-ATL 13. Child uses imagination in play and interactions with others.

Course Author

Ann Caspari

Ann Caspari is an early childhood education specialist and works to develop the National Air and Space Museum’s learning experiences for young children and their families. Caspari also leads professional development in inquiry science for early childhood teachers.

Caspari holds a master’s degree in museum education from The George Washington University and has more than 20 years of experience working in museums with school and family audiences. She started working at the Smithsonian as manager of museum programs for the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center. Other museum work has included the National Building Museum and the Calvert Marine Museum.

Ann co-authored, with Carol Kuhlthau and Leslie Maniotes, Guided Inquiry: Learning in the Twenty-first Century and Guided Inquiry Design: A Framework for Inquiry in Your School.

Julia Smith

Julia Smith is a Museum and Early Learning Specialist at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s (SEEC) Office of Engagement. In this position she offers curricular support to classroom educators working with children birth through kindergarten. She aids in developing lessons grounded in play and utilizing the surrounding museums and community. Additionally, Julia brings SEEC’s expertise in museum-based education for young children out to the world through professional development for educators, public programs, and partnerships with other educational institutions. Julia began her role at SEEC as a toddler educator. She is committed to advocating for the inclusion of all young children, particularly those 0-3 years, in educational spaces.