Isn't it ironic these days that probably the one thing we do not allow due to time constraints (or perhaps the one thing we tend to ignore) are questions. I always think to myself, "Another question? I will answer it later." And it is funny because as adults, we tend to ask less questions, ponder less and worry more. Perhaps if we answered the question right away, it may relieve our worries.
Regardless, kids are the best at asking and even answering questions. When we are younger, we want to know everything about everything, and I think this is a beautiful thing. Because the more we ask, the more we find out. The more we ask, the more passionate we become regarding the world around us. The more questions we ask, the more we show we truly care about our purpose here on earth whether it is inside the classroom, in our homes or in the workplace. One of my students has a true knack for asking inquisitive questions. Sadly, I often time find myself saying, "That is a fabulous question, I will get back to you on that...and I never do." It is not that I find his questions ridiculous or worthless, I just simply run out of time. Or, I forget.
Well today, my student asked a question at the end of the day as the other students were rushing past their mailboxes. He asked very simply, "Can you come over and visit my house sometime?" I joked around and replied, "Haven't you already had enough of me here?" "We talk all the time!" And he responded with, "I know we see eachother a lot, but I would love to just have more of a talk with you. Not about school." "We could talk over a snack." And right there. I realized he had realized my lost whimsy. We are told, as teachers to get the essential done within a day. Sometimes we become so focused on that, that we forget to have conversations (that do not revolve around school or work or text evidence.)
How often, the youngsters are the ones who can immedietely spot our weaknesses. I promised this student a lunch bunch date, and I promised myself to find whimsy in conversation inside the classroom. First and foremost we are humans not students. And humans need meaningful conversation to reach their creative whimsy.