***” Three- and four-year-olds ask, “Why?”—“Why are you doing that?” “Why did the leaves turn orange?”

Answering your child’s questions helps her learn. But asking her what she thinks the answer is helps her learn to think.

To help your child think

creatively:

• Teach your child a new word. See how many different ways she can use it in one day.

• Ask for her opinion when she asks “why.”

• Create a curiosity corner. Put a box or table near the kitchen. Set out unusual items for your child to explore while you cook. Ask her to brainstorm about the items. What are they made of? Where did they come from? What different ways might she use them? And so on.

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