The Joy of Wonder

Wondering makes space for growing in the light

Wondering infuses our questioning and our thinking with a spiritual aspect. Children learn there isn’t one right or wrong answer. Life is filled with

really big questions.

I wonder

wonder

wonder

wonder

Wondering is about entertaining and exploring possibilities

Wonder is in the flower that returns after a cold winter

The infinite depth of the night sky

the incredible soul filling joy at finding a friend.

The practice of wondering with children makes space for children to explore the ideas and images, words and characters in a story from the particular perspective of that moment in their lives.

•I wonder what part you like best?•I wonder what is most important to you, today?

If we are capable of wondering, our mind takes flight and dares to dream.

I how the girl feels….

I wonder what the camel is doing

I what they’re looking at……

I what the dog is searching for….

I how many stars are in the sky

I how this was made…..

I what this is a picture of……

If that door could talk what it would say……….

When we ask children to wonder about a story, a video, a discussion, we’re not asking them for a factual answer to a question.

To wonder can also mean to speculate, to doubt,

to question, to be unsure.

To wonder is to be in awe or to marvel

If young ones can maintain a sense of wonder as they pass through early childhood into adolescence and early adulthood, that inclination may inspire much of their questioning and searching.

They may become stronger in their questioning, testing the edges, and boundaries of conventional reasoning, pushing into new territory, demanding fresh truths and answers.

Wondering is not a simple joy ride. It has a dark side……..

.

Satisfying, authentic answers are often elusive.

As they yearn to understand and make the best of life, a sense of wonder tilts their thinking forward. They grow bolder.

How do we shift from asking to…….

starts when you the teacher engage in the process with your children. You are the mirror.

When you finish a book, are engaged in conversation with a story or with an art project begin to ask the wonderingquestions. Make sure your posture, face, and voice are open and welcoming. Your questions will sound more genuine and inviting to the children if you are wondering with them!

about their art

“When we wonder, we’re sharing what we think, feel, or know about the story today. There isn’t one right or wrong answer. Let’s listen in our hearts and listen to our friends. Wondering takes practice for all of us.”

If a child asks a question that you cannot answer, or you don’t feel comfortable inserting your ideas, you can simply state, “I wonder.” This simple response is a cue to the children that you, too, are on a journey of discovery.

Don’t be discouraged if children do not respond verbally to each wondering question, or if they don’t respond to any of them. Being comfortable with silence is another practice we can model, and it is a valuable lesson for our youngest.

ActivityLook at each of the following images.Create wondering questions in your mind for each image.

Do this independently, jot down your thoughts.

Notice the body language and facial expressions of the children to determine if they are wondering and thinking, or if they are unsure about the question, or if they are ready for another question.

As children grow used to wondering questions, they may begin to create their

own during the response time. Honor and explore their questions

Allow them space to wonder inwardly.

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”― Rachel Carson

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.

Because we are spiritual beings on a human journey