Gopnik's Garden

Gopnik's Garden is a metaphorical concept introduced by developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik, illustrating how young children explore and learn about the world. Like gardeners tending to a garden, children experiment with different ideas, actions, and environments, cultivating curiosity and understanding through trial and error. This process helps children develop cognitive flexibility and creativity. The "garden" symbolizes the safe, nurturing space for exploration, where errors are natural and essential for growth. Overall, it emphasizes that early childhood development is an active, hands-on process rooted in curiosity and experimentation.