Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast

Children’s curiosity and wonder about the world around them is observable from the first months of your baby’s life.

In this episode, Dr. Diane, an early childhood education expert, talks about children’s curiosity and how parents can encourage and maintain the sense of wonder that is such a delightful trait of infants and toddlers. She advises parents to pay attention to their child’s cues and provide opportunities for exploration and vocabulary building, such as with safe objects and books. Dr. Diane Schnoor also emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and wonder in children through play and engaging in scientific activities. Science is not just about learning facts but about developing connections with the world around us. 

Listen to this episode to get ideas on how you can help your child develop a love for learning from a young age. By engaging in simple and fun activities, you nurture their curiosity and set them on a path toward a lifetime of learning and discovery.

Diane has compiled a list of recommended picture books. These books should be readily available at your local library and are accompanied by simple activities that parents and caregivers can do with their children. CLICK HERE

In the 2023 season of Parenting in the First 3 Years, we’ll be bringing on parents just like you to share the story of their personal journey. Would you like to apply to be considered as a guest? Let’s talk about it! Simply email Ann McKitrick at ask@nurturednoggins.com. 

Topics in this episode:

• Diane’s perspective on children being natural scientists through their curiosity
• Diane’s recommendations for parents to keep children’s curiosity alive
• Importance of paying attention to cues in the first 18 months of a child’s life
• Diane’s suggestions for offering opportunities to build vocabulary and narration
• Safe objects for exploration and access to books
• Infant research indicates that even days-old babies are interested in their surroundings
• Helping children learn through scientific activities such as color mixing, nature walks, and non-standard measurement
• Importance of creating experiences and building connections to help children develop a love for science from a young age.

About our guest:

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching in formal and informal settings. She has a unique ability to connect literacy, multicultural picture books, and STEM for engaged learning across all academic disciplines.

Dr. Schnoor earned her M.T. and Ph.D. in Elementary Education from the prestigious University of Virginia. She is the founder of a preschool that embraced the idea that all children are natural scientists and explorers, and that picture books can connect thematic units. As an expert in museum education, she developed and provided in-person and virtual hands-on STEAM programs that inspired curiosity and wonder in children of all ages.

Currently, Dr. Schnoor works with teachers across the country to connect multicultural literature with engaging and meaningful STEAM challenges. She collaborates with Chris Kesler Science on early elementary curriculum design and worked closely with Steve Spangler Inc. on the production and release of a Beyond Ever After on-demand video course. She serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Shenandoah University and hosts an Adventures in Learning podcast that explores the connections between picture books and STEAM. With her vast knowledge and experience, Dr. Schnoor is dedicated to making learning fun, exciting, and meaningful for all students. 

Connect with our guest:

• Website | www.drdianeadventures.com 
• Podcast | Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning
• Facebook | Dr Diane’s Adventures in Learning
• Instagram | @drdianeadventures
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/diane-jackson-schnoor