The Curiosity Approach is an innovative pedagogy that brings together elements of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Steiner and Te Whāriki, while adapting them to the context of modern early years education. It places curiosity, creativity and wonder at the centre of learning, inviting educators to re-think their environments, their resources, and above all, their role in supporting young children’s development.
As teachers, the approach is a call to slow down and reflect on what truly inspires learning. Instead of relying on plastic, pre-determined toys that often dictate play, the emphasis is on authentic, open-ended resources and real-life objects. These materials encourage exploration and imagination while enabling children to make meaningful connections with the world around them. By offering loose parts and natural objects, educators create opportunities for problem-solving, communication, collaboration and critical thinking, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
A key element of the Curiosity Approach is the creation of calm, thoughtful learning environments. Classrooms are designed to inspire awe and wonder, using neutral tones, natural textures, and carefully considered spaces that invite children to explore deeply rather than be overwhelmed by clutter or overstimulation. Such environments also encourage practitioners to be intentional in their practice, considering the impact of every resource, display, and interaction.
At Britannica the role of the adult has shifted from directing learning to facilitating it. Practitioners are encouraged to step back, observe, and respond to children’s interests, extending their play in meaningful ways. This requires professional judgement, reflective practice, and a willingness to trust in children’s capabilities. By valuing curiosity over compliance, educators nurture confident, independent learners who are effectively motivated to seek knowledge and understanding.
At Britannica, adopting the Curiosity Approach is more than a change in resources or aesthetics; it is a mindset. It challenges us to be intentional, reflective, and creative in our practice, and to view children as competent, capable individuals with a natural desire to explore. In doing so, we not only inspire a love for learning but also model the qualities of curiosity and openness that we hope to foster in the children themselves.
This week, our book The Leaf Thief was a big success with children. They loved listening to the story, talking about their favourite parts, and drawing their own pictures in response. Together, we created a storytelling tuff tray where we collected leaves and painted them to match the story. The children then decided what else they wanted to use to help re-tell it. We also enjoyed developing our counting and concept skills with natural materials both indoors and outdoors, and we ended the week with a number hunt, which brought lots of excitement and fun.
In Nursery, the children dived into the wonderful world of imagination with the book Not a Box. It has been incredible to see all the creative ideas they came up with about what a simple box could become—from pirate ships to rockets to unicorns! They have shown amazing creativity and teamwork, bringing their ideas to life by painting small boxes and turning them into unique creations. It has been wonderful to witness their imaginations soar. Nursery also spent time in the cooking room, making delicious “Star Toast” as a continuation of last week’s learning adventures.
Meanwhile, Pre-Nursery explored imagination and creativity through stories such as Not a Box and Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis. The children transformed classroom boxes into cars, boats, houses, belts, and even pizza boxes, demonstrating their inventive spirit. They also enjoyed singing Yes, I Can, where different animals show off their abilities. The children proudly practised their own skills, joyfully declaring, “Yes, I can stomp/run/clap/dance/sing/climb...” It was delightful to see their enthusiasm, especially during singing time. During outdoor learning, Pre-Nursery had a wonderful time in the sensory area, engaging in big body movements such as manoeuvring wheelbarrows and giving the big trucks from the sandpit a car wash. These activities supported their physical development while also fostering collaboration and problem-solving.
Overall, it has been a week filled with engagement, imagination, social-emotional growth, and physical development. We look forward to building on these rich experiences next week as we continue to embrace the principles of the Curiosity Approach and inspire a love for learning in every child.
