Questions

An interesting thing happens when an adult does things with kids.  They ask questions.  Sometimes the questions have to do with what we’re actually doing at the time.  But sometimes, because we’re human, the conversation builds to deeper questions.  Why are Great White Sharks coming north?  Why are there only two candidates for President?  Who are you voting for?  Why?  What makes the earth turn?  Why is lead heavier than aluminum?  What makes the clouds do that?

I rejoice at these questions.  What’s important is that they asked the question and that they are genuinely listening, curious of the answer.  These are teachable moments.  I’m sure, for instance, that somewhere, sometime, in some science class in school I was taught the difference between brass and bronze.  Still, it was not until the subject came up in conversation years later  was I able to actually learn.  In my science class I was most likely day dreaming while my teacher or text book spewed important factoids at me.  In conversation this all suddenly became very interesting and relevant.

Clearly not every adult can answer every question posed by kids.  That’s not the important part.  The marvels of Google allow us to look up the answer.  If you remember to look it up.  The moment might be lost for that particular factoid, but interest is renewed where genuine curiosity is shared.  And it will be remembered.  Learning is a natural part of life.  If we blow on those little embers of curiosity they will fan out and grow into a really interesting human being who, because you valued these random questions, will not be afraid to keep learning.