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Their Favorite Question (Is Mine Too)

Why? Why? Why?

If you've been around a child for any length of time, you've probably heard this more than you care to count. Toddlers and preschoolers use it when they're curious, testing limits, and just to extend a conversation. Just today, I've heard "why?" in response to: a request to pick up puzzle pieces, an announcement that it's almost time to put shoes on, a line from a story I was reading, a request to bring a glass of milk away from the edge of the table... and about 400 additional times. Sometimes the answer is obvious, sometimes less so. Sometimes it's because the child clearly wanted to contribute verbally but didn't know what else to say.

So, why do I love it?

It's a reminder to me, as their educator, to build intentionality into every action. If my goal is for them to understand phonics, why would I give them sight words rather than more letter sound practice? If my goal is for them to learn about spiders, why would I give them a pre-cut "craft" activity rather than letting them search for webs, draw webs, and read about how spiders live? If my goal is for them to develop self-direction and focus, why would I interrupt their play to introduce what I think they should be doing in that moment?

It keeps me focused on the bigger picture. And if I forget to ask myself, I know someone will ask me later.

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