The other day I found something exciting while walking in the woods.
One of our trees blew down many years ago. This treasure-trove was easily visible inside. I had to share it with my class. I wondered what questions they might ask. “How did those get there?” “Who lives here?” “Why are there so many?” I imagined our next research project drifting into animals in winter or animal homes.
I forgot that children bring their own perspectives to all experiences.
Yes, they looked inside this log and said, “Hey, there’s coconuts in there!” However, that was as far as their interest led them. Instead, they were very concerned about the “mushrooms” growing on the outside of the log.
They decided the log provided a great place for some large motor practice, climbing back an forth across the large tree. A few investigated the jump-worthiness of the stump.
As we were about to leave, without any interest in the stash of nuts, one of the children felt the tree had not been fully explored. So he went in.
Obviously, some things are much more interesting than talking about some old nuts. Reminder to self: trust the children. They will find what they need.