Jes Ellis-January blogpost
Children are naturally curious. Since I began teaching in 2000, our curricula have evolved to center questioning and discussion. We know that learning stems from inquiry. Our role as educators is to honor and nurture this human instinct.
However, this is the first time I am considering how inquiry impacts our interpersonal relationships and dynamics.
Invasive Curiosity is questioning based on assumptions and out of fear or mistrust. It is curiosity without empathy.
I have found that children at ages 8 and 9 years old are more likely to assume similarities with their peers than differences. When they begin to interact with another child and find that they are different, they do not naturally ask “Why.” Walls go up quickly. They tease or turn away.
I love the idea of teaching children that curiosity and empathy must exist together. Curiosity without empathy can be invasive and even harmful to others. Empathy without curiosity is not as powerful. It is natural and beneficial to want to know more about others. We must be thoughtful when pursuing information, assume best intentions, and ask ourselves, Why do we want to know?
Our school focuses on four expectations for our students: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Cooperative. I have found that there is little that doesn’t fall under these umbrellas. I love the idea of taking time to discuss and teach around “Responsible Decision-Making.” This implies intentionality and empathy for others. Third Graders are naturally, developmentally impulsive. It is a great age to begin talking about choices and planning.
Just this morning I was thinking about To Do Lists. I am HORRIBLE with them. I have challenges with executive functioning and planning (related to ADHD most likely! ; ) and have had to train myself slowly over time to use lists in my daily practice. It does not come naturally to me! I would like to work with my students on a daily routine of making their own To Do Lists, starting with making a class To Do List together each morning, and checking it off as we go. I can model making choices, and weighing considerations of time and impact as we decide what will go on our lists.
