Young children often ask the question “why?” Curiosity is a natural emotion. When children ask questions they are trying to learn more about the world around them. Help your child discover the answer.

INFANT:

Play with toys that have different sounds and features.

• At the start say: “Ready, set, go!”
  
  
• After playing with the toy, say: “I wonder what will happen next.”

TODDLER:

Walk around the neighborhood. Ask your child questions about what he sees. For example:

• How is the leaf on the ground different from the leaf on the tree?
  
  
• Are all petals on this flower the same size and color?
  
  
• How many legs does this bug have?
  
  
• How many colors can you see in this mud puddle?

PRESCHOOLER:

When your child asks a question, suggest ways to look for answers.

• Example: “I wonder about the stars at night too. Let’s try to find out more about it.”
  
  
• Then use nature, books from the library, the Internet, or an experiment to explore ideas and answers.
  
  

Adapted from materials developed and provided by Ready At Five (www.readyatfive.org).