Curiosity Begins with Questions: Helping Kids Ask, Explore and Discover

“Why is the sky blue?” — “Why do giraffes have long necks?” — “What if animals could talk?”

To adults these might seem like simple questions. But to a child, each one can be the beginning of a discovery.

Children are naturally curious. They notice small details, imagine possibilities and ask questions adults would never think to ask. But curiosity needs something to grow: the freedom to wonder, explore and ask without fear.

As part of Tadatoon’s Curiosity Begins with Questions campaign, we welcomed children’s author Julie Brangers, creator of Hey, Giraffe!, for a TadaTalk conversation about curiosity, storytelling and the everyday moments that turn children into confident explorers. Here are the ideas from that conversation, with simple activities families can try together.

1Every question is an opportunity to learn

Sometimes children ask the same question again and again. “Why?” “But why?” “How do you know?”

Those endless questions can be hard on a busy parent, but they show something wonderful: a child’s mind actively exploring the world.

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Curiosity is the best way to learn.

Julie Brangers

Questions help children connect what they already know to what they are discovering. They encourage observation, imagination, conversation and new ways of thinking. And sometimes the most valuable response isn’t an immediate answer.

Instead of simply explaining why a flower is yellow, try asking:

• “What do you notice about this flower?”
• “Can you find another flower that’s a different colour?”
• “Why do you think flowers have different colours?”

These little conversations invite children to think, observe and explore.

2Storytelling turns questions into adventures

Stories give children a safe, imaginative space to explore possibilities. What if a giraffe met a butterfly? What if a frog and a dragonfly became best friends? What if five animals from the zoo went on an adventure together?

Julie explained how animals became a central part of her storytelling. Her stories explore friendship, differences and connection through characters children recognise — and Hey, Giraffe! invites young readers to get curious about animals and the natural world.

But storytelling doesn’t have to end when the book closes. Parents can help children become storytellers themselves.

Maybe the animals become friends. Maybe they solve a mystery. Maybe they find a magical forest. There is no single correct story — the goal is to let imagination lead the way.

From our shelf

Hey, Giraffe!

Julie Brangers’ picture book about a curious giraffe — the one that started this whole conversation.

3Create a safe space for questions

One of the most meaningful moments in the conversation was about how adults respond when a child says something incorrect. We naturally want children to learn the facts — but how we guide them to those facts matters.

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I think if we correct them, then they’ll be afraid to ask.

Julie Brangers

This doesn’t mean ignoring misinformation or avoiding accurate information. It means a correction can sometimes become an invitation to discover.

You might look for a book at the library, observe something in nature, or investigate the question together. The lesson is bigger than the answer: children learn that their ideas are welcome, that it’s fine to be wrong, and that finding out is the exciting part.

4Turn an ordinary walk into a curiosity walk

Julie suggested turning outdoor time into a playful search for things children can observe.

Make a different mission each time. One day look for five colours in nature; another day search for interesting shapes, textures or sounds.

And you don’t need a special trip. The walk to daycare, a visit to the grocery store or a familiar route through your neighbourhood can all turn up something new.

5Make curiosity part of everyday family life

Encouraging curiosity doesn’t need expensive toys, elaborate activities or hours of preparation. Sometimes all it takes is one question.

• At breakfast: “What would you invent if you could create a new breakfast food?”
• At the grocery store: “Can you find five foods that contain tomatoes?”
• While listening to music: “What did that song make you imagine?”
• Before bedtime: “What was the most interesting thing you noticed today?”

Julie also suggested making it a two-way conversation. After asking your child about their favourite part of the day, invite them to ask you the same question. Children then experience questions as a natural part of connecting with someone — because curiosity isn’t only about learning facts. It’s about listening, sharing and building relationships.

6It’s okay not to know the answer

Children sometimes ask questions that surprise even the most knowledgeable adults. And that’s fine. Julie encouraged parents to be honest when they don’t know something.

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I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ll find out for you.

A good answer

Those words teach children something valuable: learning doesn’t stop when we become adults. We can keep asking questions, exploring ideas and discovering things together for the rest of our lives.

You don’t need every answer to raise a curious child. Sometimes the best thing you can offer is your willingness to explore alongside them.

7A little curiosity challenge for your family

Ready to put these ideas into practice? Try this family activity, inspired by the Curiosity & Discovery conversation.

The goal isn’t to find every answer. It’s to keep the curiosity going.

Raising lifelong discoverers

Curiosity begins with a question, but it grows through the experiences we share. A story before bedtime. A surprising question at the dinner table. A walk through the neighbourhood. A visit to the library.

Each of those moments helps children build confidence in their ability to observe, imagine and explore. And perhaps the most important lesson from the conversation with Julie is that curiosity doesn’t end with childhood — we are all lifelong learners and discoverers.

When we make room for children’s questions, we aren’t just helping them understand the world today. We’re encouraging them to keep exploring it tomorrow.