Learning About Learning: 

We Can Learn A Lot From Our Children:

The Wisdom of a Beginner's Mind

Journalist and author Tom Vanderbilt on the open-mindedness of children.

“Children, in a very real sense, have beginners’ minds, open to wider possibilities. They see the world with fresher eyes, are less burdened with preconceptions and past experiences, and are less guided by what they know to be true. They are more likely to pick up details that adults might discard as irrelevant. Because they’re less concerned with being wrong or looking foolish, children often ask questions that adults won’t ask.”

Children have a unique way of viewing the world — a blend of curiosity, courage, and resilience. While focusing on guiding them, we often forget they can be our teachers. 

Some valuable lessons we can learn from our children, who remind us to stay open to possibilities and cherish each moment.

1. Curiosity: The Spark of Discovery

• Children ask questions without hesitation — Why is the sky blue? How does a bird fly? They don’t feel embarrassed about what they don’t know; instead, they delight in discovering something new. This genuine curiosity is an invitation for us never to stop asking questions. When adults remain curious, we continue to grow, regardless of our age or experience.

2. Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

• For children, mistakes are just part of the process. They don’t carry the weight of “getting it wrong”; they simply try again. As adults, though, we can sometimes fear failure, which limits our growth. Watching children learn shows us that each mistake is a stepping stone. Embracing this can free us to explore and achieve without the fear of imperfection.

3. Living in the Moment

• Young children are remarkably present. Whether it’s painting a picture or exploring the playground, they give their full attention to whatever they are doing. This teaches us the value of mindfulness. In a world where we’re often juggling multiple responsibilities, taking a moment to be fully present with our children or even with ourselves can be a valuable break.

4. Expressing Feelings Honestly

• Children feel deeply and express their emotions openly. They laugh, cry, and tell us when they feel frustrated or happy. As adults, we often hold back our feelings, but children show us that sharing emotions is natural and healthy. Being open with ourselves and others can help us form stronger, more trusting relationships.

5. Seeing Potential in Everyone

• Every child sees a friend in others and doesn’t judge based on background or appearance. Their acceptance and openness are a powerful reminder that we can approach each person with compassion and an open heart. This openness fosters a more inclusive, understanding community for all of us.

6. Approaching Challenges with a Can-Do Attitude

• Kids aren’t deterred by a challenge. When faced with a new skill or an obstacle, they approach it with enthusiasm and determination. They remind us that challenges aren’t meant to be avoided but tackled head-on. Taking on new experiences with a sense of adventure rather than fear can lead to unexpected growth and satisfaction.

7. Maintaining a Sense of Wonder

• From a walk in nature to discovering a new book, children bring a sense of wonder to even the simplest experiences. This awe and appreciation for the small things is a beautiful lesson for adults. Rediscovering the joy in the everyday helps us stay positive and connected to the world around us.

At Western Heights, we celebrate these qualities in our students and encourage our parent community to join us in learning much from our children. 

Embracing and encouraging their spirit of exploration, resilience, and joy inspires us to be lifelong learners, just as we hope our children will be.