Rule # 12: We are powerful and natural explorers.

I set out to post my notes on Brain Rules and I finally made it to chapter 12. This chapter deals with our curiosity and wonder. As a parent I have observed my children wonder, explore and learn, we are designed for this. We need to capitalize on this as educators.

“For little ones, discovery brings joy, Like an addictive drug, exploration creates the need for more discovery so that more joy can be experience.” (pg 273)

“… I also believe the curiosity instinct is odd powerful that some people overcome society’s message to go to sleep intellectually, and they flourish anyway.” (pg 273)

I have believed this ever since I entered college and began to learn once again for the joy of learning. This is why I frequently use the quote attributed to Albert Einstein. “I never let my schooling interfere with my education” would it not be wonderful is schooling actually encouraged learning, exploration and the joy of discovery like that found in a toddler. Can you tell I am a bit jaded?

Both my children go to excellent schools that encourage exploration and wonder, but they still do most of their learning outside of school. I spent most of the time as they were toddlers answering questions and looking up information. In fact I still do, they have never stopped asking questions. I hope they never will.

I was also fascinated by the idea that adult brains can still grow and change. I always thought that by the time we were adults our brains stopped growing and began to decline.
All the more reason to continue to follow the brain rules.