I visited Tim’s town again. I had the opportunity to observe how the children learn.
The children don't stop playing. But, I noticed that they are allowed to play with anything and everything. From sticks and stones to old appliances, almost nothing is out of bounds. They use the world around them to play. Self-discovery is part of the learning process. They pick up skills and knowledge as they play with adults and other children. I wish they had more age appropriate toys, though.
The young ones gather under the trees on sunny days & indoors when it rains. They are kept warm by the fires of the engaging stories. When the stories are told, each child is given an opportunity to retell a story. This exercise helps them to be part of the story. Also, this practice helps them retain information. I noticed the kids have their own song about their history. They sing it while playing, doing school work, even when they are doing their chores. One of the stories the elders love to tell is the story of the first settlers of the town. I was surprised how the children were able to retell that story. They had committed all the facts to memory.
There is a saying the children often repeat: “If you want us to listen, show us. Don't tell us!” They even have a catchy tune for it. They prefer information in pictures or videos. This is strange for me. I think in words and sentences. My pictures are made up of words, and my videos are sentences.
I had to test this strange saying. I saw one child riding a bike home, so I asked her who taught her to ride the bike. She seemed confused by the question. Eventually, she told me she learned by watching others ride. This was strange for me. In our town, children are taught by their parents or siblings to ride bikes. A child is coached until she is capable of riding without assistance. It is not something they explore on their own.
Repetition is important in this community. Stories are retold, events are re-enacted, and songs are sung. Embedded in the stories, dramas and songs are truths and lessons which help them make sense of life. There’s a song children sing which is meant to teach them about the dangers of fire.
The house is burning (X2)
Look there (X2)
Fire, fire (X2)
Pour water (X2)
The song is brief and catchy. It is a mental fire drill for the
children. The words help them know what to do in case of a fire.
I thought our ability to read and write put us on an advantage. I misunderstood them because of our differences. There is so much we still need learn from each other. Hopefully, Tim & I will meet again.
Until we read again,
Songz
