See What I Learned

It can be hard for a child to sometimes realise that, what they have been concentrating on and preoccupied for a long period of time, can be wrong. Picture this scenario. A child observes his parent, collect certain items from a cupboard. The parent then opens some items, and then by pouring, scooping or, shaking, some parts of these items (or the entire contents) are added into a bowl. The parent is then observed adding a liquid and stirring. Then pouring those items into another container, and, is observed to place that container into the large box like object (that sometimes has a light inside). It seems pretty obvious that the parent is making a cake or such. To us, that is. To the child it is simply a ‘dance’ of shapes, colours and a variety of objects, which produces an edible item. To them, it is.

The first difference is there is a likelihood the parent can read and is following a recipe and instructions. Or if like myself, thanks to the way we learnt to cook, knows what makes the planned item, and, doesn’t even need to measure. But someone at some time, had read what to use, didn’t they? However, let us then consider the child’s viewpoint. This goes into that. So, the parent did put in whole small container of grainy white stuff (sugar) Maybe the child does not need quite so much (salt). And the white powdery stuff had two containers worth. So in goes the ….. white powdery stuff is searched for and, perhaps ‘cornflour’ is chosen instead of flour. You start to see the picture? Simply watching and mimicking can achieve learning, but, it is not necessarily the best way by itself.

As children we observe and absorb massive amounts of visual information. Some of it is correct. Some of it is incorrect. We do not necessarily receive the necessary supporting information as to which, is which, unless we mimic and are then corrected. It is difficult, tiring and at times aggravating to constantly explain to a child at a pace and level the child will understand. We often sacrifice the knowledge, which should be imparted then, which would allow a greater development and better skills and abilities. This may, or may not be intentional. It does constantly occur. Even as an adult trying to educate another to take on a particular role, imparting necessary information can fail, purely because of the educator’s/guide’s viewpoint. We know. We forget the basics, because we are used to performing the actions to receive a correct result. Someone new, may not.

A child will constantly question. It is the nature of curiosity. If it is stopped, ignored or misguided by the ‘educator/ parent/ demonstrator / participant, it may be stopped forever in the child. Exceptional children can overcome this adversity. Allowing the child to question less and develop its own learning techniques. Others do not. They unfortunately form the masses. They need to be curious again and question and receive the correct information to encourage their skills to create their Independence.

(continued tomorrow)