My son just came up to me and asked me how to spell “diamond.”
I started to spell it for him, but then I told him to use the dictionary.
“How am I supposed to use the dictionary if I don’t know how to spell it?” he said.
I had to smile and laugh inwardly because I remember having that very same question many, many years ago. And I am so thankful I was still told to use the dictionary because now I can find out all sorts of things on my own between the dictionary and so many other reference materials out there (Yes, the reference materials now include Google.)
So I handed him my old trusty dictionary that I first used in journalism school at the University of Florida, where one spelling error took 50 points off of my final grade on any assignment. Then I showed him how to search for words and determine the spelling.
I’m not sure he was impressed. But I plan to keep handing him the dictionary every time he asks. And perhaps one day, he’ll skip me and see how he can learn himself.
Aaahhhh… Joy of Five J’s would be so proud. I’m teaching my son to fish for knowledge…
How do you teach your children to fish for knowledge?
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