The Importance of Asking Questions
We had a great first day of History class. We focused on the importance of asking questions. I told the students that I think the process of asking questions helps people grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Asking questions nurtures a person’s curiosity and creativity.
I even think that asking a clever, provocative, or inspiring question can be more important than answering the question! This is particularly true since many of the questions we will ask and discuss this year do not have a single “right” answer.
I even think that asking a clever, provocative, or inspiring question can be more important than answering the question! This is particularly true since many of the questions we will ask and discuss this year do not have a single “right” answer.
The students responded by asking some terrific initial questions about Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, Lady with an Ermine.
Leo: Is there a connection between the woman and the animal? Why did Leonardo decide to paint a picture of this particular woman and animal?
Noelle: Why is her hair tied underneath her chin?
Lots of You: What kind of animal is that, and why did Leonardo include the animal in the painting? (A great answer by Phineas: The animal symbolizes something or means something).
Riley, Tabitha, Charlie, Morgan and Gabriel: What is the lady looking at? Why is she looking away from the painter?
Vaya and William: Why did Leonardo choose to paint her looking to the side, rather than facing forwards? (this is an excellent question that has intrigued art historians for years)
Next we looked at a photograph of the Kaaba in Mecca.
Asher: Who are all those people?
Lilly: Why is this box-like building so important to so many people?
Evan: What exactly is inside of the building?
Noelle: Why is her hair tied underneath her chin?
Lots of You: What kind of animal is that, and why did Leonardo include the animal in the painting? (A great answer by Phineas: The animal symbolizes something or means something).
Riley, Tabitha, Charlie, Morgan and Gabriel: What is the lady looking at? Why is she looking away from the painter?
Vaya and William: Why did Leonardo choose to paint her looking to the side, rather than facing forwards? (this is an excellent question that has intrigued art historians for years)
Next we looked at a photograph of the Kaaba in Mecca.
Asher: Who are all those people?
Lilly: Why is this box-like building so important to so many people?
Evan: What exactly is inside of the building?
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Based on your initial questions, I'm definitely looking forward to a year filled with curiosity.
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