A few weeks ago, as I was welcoming the students off the buses in the morning, something beautiful happened. A stork landed on the other side of the field and started having its breakfast of worms. As soon as the Elementary Students spotted it, they all stopped their games of tag, they all stopped chatting about their week-end, they all stopped to watch this majestic bird eat, in silence. There were some oohs and ahhs at how big its beak was, how elegantly it walked, etc… It was such an awesome moment.

As an elementary school principal, I often reflect on how we can best support our students to be curious, engaged, and joyful learners. One powerful, yet often overlooked, ingredient in this recipe is awe. You know that feeling – a gasp at the sight of a magnificent mountain, a shiver of wonder when you look at the stars, the excitement when sighting a stork or that sudden realization of how tiny we are in this vast universe. These fleeting moments of awe are incredibly special and we should strive to cultivate them for our children in a sustainable way. 

There are incredible benefits of embracing awe. Experiencing it produces a multitude of positive effects. It makes us calmer, kinder, and more creative. When children have sustained engagement with awe-inspiring experiences, they become healthier, happier, and more motivated. When kids explore nature, history, or science beyond the pages of a textbook, they feel empowered by their discoveries. Adding elements like music or storytelling can transform learning into something truly magical, inspiring them to delve into topics they might never have considered before.

So, how can we, as parents and educators, foster this sense of awe?

 

• Embrace Curiosity: Encourage your child to ask "why?" and "how?" about everything. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know, let's find out together!" This models the idea that learning is a journey, not just about having the right answers.
• Explore the Vast: Awe often comes from experiencing something immense in size, time, or complexity. This could be looking up at the night sky, visiting a museum to see ancient artifacts, or even watching a documentary about the wonders of the natural world.
• Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors. Observe a tiny insect, marvel at the intricate patterns of a leaf, or simply sit and listen to the sounds of nature. These simple moments can spark profound wonder.
• Encourage "I Wonder..." Moments: Instead of rushing through activities, pause and ask your child, "What do you wonder about this?" Give them space to create their own ideas and theories.
• Fuel Imagination: Read books that transport them to different worlds, listen to music that evokes strong emotions, and engage in creative play that allows them to build and imagine without limits.

When children are encouraged to explore what they don't fully understand, they embrace curiosity and become the innovators and change-makers of tomorrow. 

Resources:

• The Power of Everyday Awe
• The Amazing Power of Awe | Jonah Paquette | TEDxSonomaCounty