“Boom, boom, boom” the agonizing sound aimlessly leads me to search for the snooze button, when it hits me: “It’s Saturday.” The time is 8:00 a.m. and while the sun’s piercing rays reflect against my desk mirror, straining my eyes, my weary body lies motionless resisting, any escape from the warm layers of soft cotton. Despite my attempt to return to the climax of my dream, the sound reappears. This time I realize it is not the alarm clock I am hearing. It is the door and behind it is a little voice yelling out: “Are you awake?”

My niece, Isabel, who turns five this October, is unaware of my plans to alleviate the stresses of school just for the day. She strolls in and asks, “So where is the book?” What she is referring to is my ninth edition of The Science of Biology textbook that I am currently studying for my lecture class. I do not understand why she spends her time looking over material she knows nothing about. She does not even know how to read. I figure she should be watching The Magic School Bus television show if she truly wants to comprehend how science works. However, just like last weekend when I settled myself at my desk with a pencil in hand and my biology book open, my niece happened to come in and prod her little finger at all the various molecular figures printed on the page. She had asked me about one in particular, the complex macromolecular structure of galactosamine. She insisted that I go into detail to describe even the “the funny looking purple dots” that create the molecule, but I reminded her to leave me alone to study.

Now it is Saturday, and she returns urging me to open up and read her my biology book as if it was a bed time story. However, before having the chance to deny her request she amazes me with her ability to recite what little description I gave her about galactosamine. It dawns on me at this moment how powerful a young child’s mind is, and how intelligent it can become when you least expect it. Although she has no idea what she says means, she has a natural curiosity to explore and discover.

Children want to learn, and it is essential that adults provide the right amount of support and encouragement to fill this need. Many times young learners rely on an outside force to push them into achieving some task. This motivation allows children to develop a sense of independence, an essential feature of quality learning. When children begin questioning, they actively seek explanations, not a cold shoulder. All the “whys,” “ifs,” and “whats” questions may exhaust the patience of adults, but answering them builds a child’s cognitive skills. It offers a chance for them to connect with the world rather than to accept certain ideas as is. From a child’s perspective, the moment of discovery fills them with pleasure. They become confident learners and develop a positive attitude for the opportunities that await them in school and beyond.

Although children cannot move forward without adults, adults should not pressure them to commit to activities simply to please the adults. They should not force their child to learn material beyond the child’s capabilities. Adults should take time to realize their child’s potential and openness to learn. While my niece may want to open up my biology book, instead we did decide to read a children’s story, and as I read, her eyes show me that her mind is open and curiosity is taking control.