Nurturing curiosity, empathy & innovation in children

Famous romantic poet William Wordsworth has said ‘The child is father of the man’. Its meaning has become more pronounced in today’s world than ever. For example, leadership, once viewed as a skillset to be acquired in adulthood, is now recognized as an outcome that can be nurtured from early childhood. This is because children’s brains are built by their interactions with their environments. In the first few years of life, more than one million neural connections are formed each second – a pace never repeated again, making the quality of their early experiences a critical differentiator that determines how strong are the foundations for learning, health and behaviour throughout life. Hence, preparing children to become future leaders requires a fundamental shift in educational philosophy, taking it away from rote learning and focussing more on interactive mediums that develops skills needed in future.

Learning through Play

Play is not just a break from structured learning; it is a powerful means for developing cognitive and social skills that underlie effective leadership. It allows children to experiment with new ideas, explore possibilities, and learn to collaborate, all while building the confidence to take risks in a safe environment. Whether they are building with blocks, engaging in role-play, or exploring puzzles, children learn problem-solving, decision-making, and cooperation. While participating in team activities, they naturally assume various roles that cultivates a sense of shared responsibility, allowing them to grasp the importance of working towards a common goal.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) enables individuals to understand, manage, and express emotions in constructive ways. Developing children’s emotional intelligence from a young age prepares them to lead with empathy and integrity. Schools must foster environments where children are encouraged to express their feelings and recognize emotions in others. Through guided interactions and classroom discussions, children learn to empathize with their peers, understand the impact of their actions, and handle conflict healthily. Teachers can also implement storytelling or group activities where children reflect on emotions encountered within the narrative, helping them relate these emotions to their own experiences.

Encouraging Curiosity and Learning

Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation, exploration, and lifelong learning—all qualities essential to developing and fulfilling ambitions. When children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers, they develop an intrinsic motivation to learn. Nurturing curiosity in children from an early age shapes their approach to problem-solving and equips them to face the unknown with an open mind. A curriculum that values questions over answers creates a learning environment that prioritizes discovery. When children understand that their questions are valued, they gain the confidence to explore diverse perspectives and challenge the status quo. Such an approach not only cultivates a love for learning but also teaches children the value of perseverance and adaptability—qualities that help them navigate challenges better.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—is pivotal to overcoming challenges and setbacks. People with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, adapt to changes, and pursue improvement continuously. Through feedback that emphasizes improvement, children learn that their abilities are not fixed but rather shaped by effort. For instance, if a child struggles with a math problem, teachers can highlight the value of trying different approaches instead of merely providing the solution. Such encouragement teaches children that success is a journey, not a destination, and that resilience is key to achieving their ambitions.

Encouraging Innovation & Design Thinking

Qualities like innovation and problem-solving are at the heart of achieving success. By introducing children to design thinking—a methodology that emphasizes empathy, brainstorming, prototyping, and testing—schools can help them become creative and solution-oriented thinkers. Incorporating design thinking into the curriculum through projects that address community problems encourages children to think outside the box and appreciate multiple perspectives while applying creativity and critical thinking skills to effect positive change. This instills in them a sense of responsibility, as they begin to see themselves as capable of making a difference.

Building Responsive Relationships

Responsive relationships form the bedrock of supportive learning environments. When children feel valued, understood, and respected by adults and peers, they are more likely to exhibit confidence, engagement, and resilience. Responsive relationships not only foster a sense of belonging but also create a safe space for children to express themselves freely, which is critical for nurturing leadership skills. Teachers and caregivers play an essential role in building these connections by actively listening, showing empathy, and adapting their support to meet each child’s unique needs. By observing the empathy and respect modeled by adults, children internalize these values and apply them in their interactions, paving the way for strong relational leadership skills.

Providing with a Voice and Choice

Empowering children to make decisions and express their opinions gives them a sense of agency. When children are allowed to make choices—whether it’s selecting a book to read, choosing a project topic, or deciding how to approach a task—they develop independence and confidence in their own judgment.

Encouraging children to share their perspectives, both individually and in group settings, teaches them that their voices matter. Exercises such as class councils or group projects where students take turns leading can cultivate a democratic spirit, teaching them the importance of listening to others and collaborating.

The journey to nurturing ambition in children begins with creating educational experiences that prioritize holistic development, where children are seen as capable and curious individuals with the potential to lead. By fostering qualities such as emotional intelligence, resilience, curiosity, and empathy, we are equipping them not only with academic knowledge but with the social and emotional skills necessary to navigate a complex world. Each of these componentsplays a vital role in shaping children’s ambitions, enabling them to become the changemakers of tomorrow.

(The author is Co-CEO, Crimson Schools)