Asking Questions

Recently we went on a field trip where we toured the inside of an airplane. We sat in the seats, looked out the windows and got to see the inside of the cockpit. It was a lot of fun for Xury who hasn't flown since she was an infant.

 

 

When the pilot asked the kids if they had any questions, Xury excitedly raised her hand and asked how airplanes fly. Rather than answer her question, the pilot laughed and told her she'd learn that in 6th grade. She was, understandably, confused so I told her that we'd look it up when we got home. We did. I found an age appropriate video on YouTube and Xury (age 5) and I (age 42) learned the basic principles that hold airplanes in the sky. Neither of us were in 6th grade. 

 

 

What the well meaning pilot didn't understand, is that interest, not age or grade, is the real prerequisite for learning. Kids want to know about the world around them. We don't have to manufacture a thirst for knowledge. They want to know stuff. 

 

 

Xury's learned that manatees have dense bones that help them sink and big lungs that help them float because she asked how manatees float in the water. She also learned that they get all the fresh water they need from the plants they eat because she wanted to know what they drink. She thought it was hilarious that they drink and eat at the same time. She's learned that sea turtles can hold their breath for 3 or 4 hours while they sleep because she asked if sea turtles sleep under water. 

 

Just this week, she's learned about the Earth's core, states, countries, continents, South Africa and that there are two countries within its borders, passports, gorillas, how corn is harvested, that hippos fling their poop, that poop is good for soil, how roads are made, the Sistine chapel ceiling and lots of other things because she asked questions. 

Learning doesn't need a timetable. It happens when kids are ready and interested. And, when someone answers their questions.