Arthur Costa describes how children "live in a state of continuous discovery." I think it's not a bad way to be. It speaks of an engagement with the world, an engagement we seek to inspire in our students and our own children. An ability to think critically and creatively is necessary towards maintaining this mindset. Also, an openness to every opportunity that comes our way. For young children, every bit of life is an opportunity for engagement, exploration, puzzling, discerning and joy. When does that change, for in classrooms I visit, I see many students who are disengaged, who have learned the "rules of school, who 'sit down and shut up' instead of sticking everything they come across into their mouths! I also see teachers working to create spaces in which communities of learners thrive and trust themselves as learners. I see teachers connecting with each other to reflect, to inquire and to support and build their own excitement and passion. For, in thinking together, you " relax your grip on certainty and listen to the possibilities that simply result form being in relationship with others- possibilities that might not otherwise have occurred. (Isaacs, 1999)” (York-Barr, 2006, p. 278)
Let's consciously model being engaged learners, and cultivate our own innate curiosity and passion.