THE CURIOSITY APPROACH: A FULL HOW TO MANUAL FOR EARLY YEARS EDUCATORS

A Practical Guide for Transforming Early Years Settings Into Calm, Magical, Intentional Learning Spaces

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE CURIOSITY APPROACH

The UK’s Curiosity Approach is an early years philosophy that blends inspiration from:

• Reggio Emilia
• Montessori
• Te Whāriki
• Loose Parts Theory
  
  

Its mission is simple but powerful:

To create beautiful, calming, intentional spaces filled with open-ended resources that promote deep learning, exploration, independence, and wonder.

Around the world from Abu Dhabi to London, Toronto to Singapore educators are searching for approaches that:

• reduce overstimulation
• support emotional wellbeing
• create meaningful play
• respect children as capable learners
• develop independence and critical thinking
  
  

The Curiosity Approach answers all of these needs, regardless of country, curriculum, or cultural background.

2. CORE VALUES & PRINCIPLES

Before you change your furniture or buy a single basket, you must understand the values behind the approach.

✔ Value 1: Respect for the Child

Every decision: materials, environment, routines is based on the belief that children are competent, capable learners.

✔ Value 2: The Environment is the “Third Teacher”

The physical space teaches children:

• independence
• exploration
• problem-solving
• calmness
• curiosity

✔ Value 3: Open-Ended Resources Over Plastic Toys

Children learn best when they can use materials in many ways.

✔ Value 4: Intentionality Over Busyness

No random posters, bright plastic, or chaotic shelves.
Everything is chosen for a reason.

✔ Value 5: Aesthetic Beauty Matters

✔ Value 6: Slow Down

Children need time to explore, repeat, revisit, and master.

3. UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR

Under the Curiosity Approach, your role shifts from instructor to facilitator.

You are not the source of knowledge.

You are the guide that supports children to discover.

Your responsibilities include:

• Observing deeply
• Listening carefully
• Asking open ended questions
• Documenting learning
• Preparing the environment
• Creating provocations
• Ensuring safety
• Supporting children’s independence

What you do NOT do:

• Control play
• Direct outcomes
• Tell children how to use materials
• Rush activities
• Overstimulate with bright plastics
  
  

Your mindset is your most important tool.

4. PREPARING YOUR MINDSET: THE FIRST STEP

You cannot create a Curiosity Approach classroom without first reshaping your educator mindset.

✔ From “Theme Planning” To “Emergent Learning”

Instead of forced weekly themes (e.g., shapes week, colours week), learning emerges from:

• children’s interests
• seasonal changes
• community events
• schemas
• real-life experiences

✔ From “Teacher Led Activities” → To “Child Led Inquiry”

You ask:

• “What is the child curious about?”
• “How can I extend this curiosity?”

✔ From “Products” To “Processes”

No more identical crafts.

Instead:

• exploration
• creation
• experimentation

✔ From “We need more toys”  To “We need fewer, better resources”

5. ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN: CREATING THE “THIRD TEACHER”

Your environment sends messages before you speak.

Here is a step-by-step framework for resetting your space:

Step 1: Assess Your Environment

Walk into your classroom as if you are a parent or child seeing it for the first time.

Ask:

• Is it calm or overwhelming?
• Are colours loud or soothing?
• Are materials open ended or plastic?
• Are shelves overcrowded?
• Is the lighting harsh?
• Are there natural elements?
  
  

Do this with your team so multiple perspectives are captured.

Step 2: Neutral Colour Palette

Use earth tones:

• beige
• taupe
• soft greens
• natural wood
• white
• brown tones
  
  

Avoid:

• bright primary colours
• neon storage
• cartoon characters
• busy posters

Step 3: Replace Plastic With Natural Materials

Recommended:

• wooden blocks
• wicker baskets
• metal utensils
• wooden loose parts
• fabric
• pinecones, corks, shells
  
  

Remove gradually:

• plastic bins
• electronic toys
• bright plastic toys

Step 4: Soft Lighting

Replace fluorescent lighting with:

• lamps
• fairy lights
• soft bulbs
• indirect lighting
  
  

Light affects behaviour, focus, and emotional regulation.

Step 5: Add Nature Indoors

You can include:

• plants
• driftwood
• stones
• dried flowers
• natural fabrics
• woven baskets
  
  

Children instinctively calm when surrounded by natural elements.

6. DECLUTTERING, SIMPLIFYING & RESETTING YOUR SPACE

This may be the most powerful transformation you make.

✔ Declutter Shelves

Remove 50% of your current materials.

✔ Keep Only:

• purposeful
• open-ended
• well-loved
  
  

✔ Rotate Materials

Store extras in a cupboard and rotate them weekly or monthly.

✔ Simplify Your Walls

Keep displays:

• calm
• meaningful
• child-created
• minimal
  
  

Remove:

• pre bought posters
• laminated number charts
• busy borders
  
  
  

7. INTRODUCING LOOSE PARTS

Loose parts are the heart of the Curiosity Approach.

They invite:

• creativity
• exploration
• logic
• problem-solving
• storytelling
  
  

Loose parts have no instructions.

Examples:

• rings
• lids
• stones
• wooden slices
• spools
• pinecones
• sticks
• shells
• corks
• ribbon
  
  

Practical Tips:

1. 1. Present them in baskets.
2. 2. Mix materials to increase creativity.
3. 3. Label with photos, not words.
4. 4. Teach children how to tidy them.
5. 5. Observe how children use them, this informs your provocations.
   
   
   

8. USING AUTHENTIC RESOURCES SAFELY

Children thrive when using real objects.

Examples:

• ceramic cups
• metal spoons
• glass jars
• teapots
• real mirrors
• keyboards
• cameras
• vintage phones
• real fabric clothing
  
  

Benefits:

• sensory richness
• fine motor development
• responsibility and care
• real-life connections
  
  

Safety Measures (International Standard):

• Inspect all items for sharp edges
• Use real glass only when supervised
• Avoid chipped ceramics
• Avoid rusted metal
• Teach safe handling
  
  
  

9. CREATING PROVOCATIONS (INVITATIONS TO LEARN)

A provocation is a setup that sparks curiosity.

Formula for a Strong Provocation:

1. 1. A beautiful setup
2. 2. A clear intention
3. 3. Minimal materials
4. 4. A question or challenge
5. 5. Space for exploration

Provocation Examples:

• Mirrors + shells + magnifying glasses
• Lightbox + leaves + shapes
• Clay + natural items + rolling pins
• Keys + locks + metal bowls
• Wooden blocks + architecture photos

Questions to Prompt Deep Thinking:

• “What do you notice?”
• “What could you try next?”
• “How does that feel?”
• “Why do you think that happened?”
  
  

10. LANGUAGE, QUESTIONING & THE ROLE OF THE ADULT

Educators influence play through:

• tone
• timing
• presence

✔ Use Open-Ended Questions

Avoid:
“What colour is this?”
“Show me three blocks.”

Use:
“Tell me what you’re building.”
“What do you think will happen?”

✔ Observe Before Intervening

Do not rush to fix conflicts or problems.
Allow children to experiment and problem-solve.

✔ Narrate Learning

Instead of instructing, narrate:
“You discovered the key fits this lock.”

11. CREATING CALM, HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENTS

Key elements:

• rugs
• lamps
• cushions
• curtains
• real crockery
• flowers
• natural materials
• soft fabrics
  
  

These elements reduce anxiety and overstimulation.

12. SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE

Children should be able to:

• access materials freely
• pour their own drinks
• choose their own activities
• tidy up independently
• serve themselves snacks
• dress up using real clothing
• participate in cleaning
  
  

Independence builds:

• self-esteem
• confidence
• responsibility
  
  

13. DOCUMENTATION: OBSERVATION, REFLECTION & PLANNING

You gather information through:

• photos
• notes
• transcripts of child speech
• learning stories
• video clips
  
  

Then use it to:

• plan provocations
• communicate with parents
• capture learning journeys
• improve your environment
  
  

14. OUTDOOR CURIOSITY APPROACH

Outdoors is a natural extension of your indoor philosophy.

Include:

• loose parts
• water play
• mud kitchens
• natural landscapes
• rope, logs, stumps

Create outdoor provocations:

• leaves + clipboards
• water + pipes
• chalk + stones
  
  

15. CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY & INTERNATIONAL ADAPTATION

Since this manual is international, here’s how to adapt:

UAE:

• use Arabic traditional items
• incorporate desert materials
• reflect local heritage

Canada:

• use seasonal materials
• incorporate Indigenous learning principles

UK:

• align with EYFS
• use local nature items

Asia:

• include cultural fabrics
• integrate local artifacts
  
  

16. HEALTH & SAFETY

Follow your country’s regulations.
General rules:

• inspect natural materials
• clean resources regularly
• supervise breakable items
• check for allergies
  
  

17. STAFF TRAINING & IMPLEMENTATION

Staff must learn:

• mindset
• observation skills
• provocation creation
• environment reset
• loose parts management
• documentation
  
  

Hold weekly meetings for reflection.

18. WORKING WITH PARENTS

Parents often:

• misunderstand the lack of plastic toys
• worry about “messy play”
• need reassurance
  
  

Communicate through:

• photos
• newsletters
• parent workshops
• Displays
  
  

19. DAILY ROUTINES REIMAGINED

Routines should:

• run smoothly
• build independence
• be predictable
• be calm
  
  

Examples:

• self-serve snack bars
• tidy-up songs
• calm transitions
• flexible schedules
  
  

20. TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON CHALLENGES

“Our children don’t tidy up.”

Teach routines slowly and consistently.

“Parents want worksheets.”

Educate them on process-based learning.

“Staff are resistant.”

Hold CPD sessions and show before/after photos.

“We don’t have a big budget.”

Use recycled materials and natural resources.

21. IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP: 90-DAY PLAN

Days 1–30: Mindset & Decluttering

• staff training
• remove plastic
• simplify spaces

Days 31–60: Introduce Loose Parts

• create provocations
• add authentic resources

Days 61–90: Full Implementation

• outdoor learning
• documentation
• parent workshops

22. CONCLUSION

The Curiosity Approach is not a trend.
It is a shift in how we see the child, the environment, and the educator’s role.

By embracing:

• calm
• beauty
• openness
• authenticity
• intentionality
  
  

You create a learning space where children thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

You now have the full foundation and step by step manual to begin transforming your early years environment anywhere in the world.