Discovery Phase: Character and Curiosity Together

In this episode of LEMIWorks, host Heidi Christianson shares her insights on the ‘Discovery Phase’ in leadership education, a foundational stage designed for children from birth to age 11. She walks through the transition from terms like ‘core phase’ and ‘love of learning’ to the more encompassing ‘discovery phase,’ explaining how this shift better captures the holistic and integrated nature of early childhood development. Heidi unpacks how the Discovery Phase weaves together character formation and natural curiosity, offering a developmentally appropriate framework that respects flexible timelines for young learners. She explores the importance of merging character-building with curiosity-driven exploration, trusting each child’s unique developmental path, and creating warm, nurturing environments that foster both emotional security and intellectual discovery—all while laying the groundwork for the next phases of leadership education.

00:00 Introduction to Lemi Works

00:19 Understanding the Discovery Phase

00:39 The Story of Discovery

01:58 Why the Name Change?

05:07 Character and Curiosity: A Unified Approach

08:23 Developmental Timelines and Individual Growth

11:57 Practical Takeaways for Parents

16:25 Conclusion and Next Steps