How could we provide a stimulating environment and not stifle childrens curiosity problem solving?

Question

and exploration??/ in a nursery setting

Answer 1

Let children take an active role in deciding on their environment. Provide them with ideas and let them take the lead. You will be amazed at what they will come up with. You can use a theme for example a traditional story or fairies,transport,holidays.beach,etc(the list goes on)

Provide active play where they children have lots of natural materials to play with.Set them a daily challenge where they decide what happens as the end result. This encourages cooperative play or they can play alone if they need to. One of my children was quoted to say " this is learning and playing all at once" What can be more motivating for young children.

Answer 2

have a scavenger hunt! its real fun and will keep the kids busy. hide things like red crayon or blue marker and whoever brings back the most stuff gets a special prize! or you could also let them draw a picture and everyone gets something for doing good. also, you can (during nap time) wake up a kid at a time and let them choose a paint color to make a handprint and hang it on the wall. i used to do this stuff so its no big. its real fun when they try :)

good luck!

Answer 3

play games such as hide and go seek, monkey in the middle, twister, checkers, chess, poker

Answer 4

A stimulating yet exploratory environment should have bright colors and very acessible toys and books in an orderly and theme organized fashion.  Interactive toys and blocks against light colors bookshelves are great. Not too many or it can get overly stimulating and cause an adverse effect. Mobiles hanging low in some safe areas, Family photos and photos of the children eye level on the wall. A spot for a texture table where children can choose their "tools" to play in various media for texture...change the media weekly or more often. (Media could be rice, styrofoam balls and noodle shapes, even small cars of different colors and sizes, etc.

Make sure to have a quiet corner with soft comfy pillows or sofa to read or listen to music with headphones (slightly older children). This depends on ages. Leave a large space for circle time or equivalent ...music and movement, storytelling time etc.