Saturday, March 14, 2009

Curious?

"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I love the curiosity of the kindergartners I teach at church. I often hear "What's this?" or "What are we doing here?" That means I'm doing my job as their teacher. If I'm not triggering their interest, then they are not going to be ready to learn the Bible truths I have to teach them.

How do you engage a child's curiosity? Something unusual or unexpected. Something familiar used in a new way. Something that the child likes and can use. Something hidden in a bag, creating mystery.

I'm glad we can pique the curiosity of boys and girls to learn about Jesus. I'm glad leaves, flowers, paint, Legos, and a Bible under a blanket can cause preschoolers or kindergartners to become engaged in learning. I'm glad pictures in a matching game help boys and girls want to know more about a Bible truth. 

Curiosity also helps us learn as leaders. What makes you curious? Are you investigating something or reading something or trying something just because you are curious? 

Recently my curiosity has led me to blogging and Twitter. Creating thoughts and info in 140-character chunks. Posting thoughts that others may read. New ways to connect - that makes me curious. What has recently aroused your curiosity?