The other day I was writing an article and, as is my habit, was referring to the Dictionary app on my phone to be doubly sure about the context and usage of difficult and/or confusing words in it.
A Jr was observing me closely and after waiting for an impressive five minutes his barrage of questions began.
A Jr: Mamma, why do you keep looking in the Dictionary? You don’t know the meaning of the word?
Me: I do, beta. But since this will get published, I have to be sure that there’s no room for mistake. Sometimes we use the wrong words in haste or overlooking.
A Jr: Yes, you are right. We should know the words we write. Like, when I write an essay I use the spellings I know. Marks get deducted for wrong spellings.
There’s a long pause after this. From the corner of my eye I notice him deeply in thought and am well aware that this is the ‘quiet before another question storm’. Me being at work and in need of silence has nothing to do with him.
As expected, he starts again in some time.
A Jr: Mamma, how do you know which word to see in the Dictionary?
Me: *trying to choose the right words* Um, while writing something I try and remember a word which goes perfectly with the meaning I want to convey through a sentence. I don’t use Dictionary every time, just for words that I often don’t use.
A Jr: *confused as well as excited* But Mamma, if I want to see, how will I know new words which I can find in the Dictionary?
Me: *pleased with his curiosity and the fact that I know the answer* That is simple, beta. You must read a lot, whether it is your course books, story books, your encyclopaedias or the newspaper. If you see or hear a new word, even in some cartoon or a movie you should try and find out what it means. You must be curious to explore and learn. Learning should never stop. See, I’m still learning too!
From the look on his face I knew my point had gone across to him. Ever since he was a kid I’ve tried to instill good reading habits in him and, if not a lot, I’m happy he does it by choice now.
I love that in his spare time he goes through his general knowledge books and encyclopaedia and asks me to explain whatever he doesn’t get on his own. I sincerely hope that his thirst for knowledge only grows with time.
Is it time for me to get him his first pocket Oxford Dictionary? ☺
There is something called learner’s dictionary. I don’t remember the name exactly, I think it’s called learner’s first dictionary. Words, their meanings and an example sentence. May be you can get him that ☺
Yes, I told him I will get him something like that. In summer vacations, not now. He will have something to do then.
Glad to hear that your son has a questioning mind Varsha. Encourage this trait in him. This is what will set him apart from the rest! Have a good day ????
I try to, Radhi. As of now his questions are simple and innocent and he is convinced with their answers too.
I hope he stays this way. A curious mind is always alert and receptive. Good day to you too, Radhi. ☺
Definitely he needs one.. this reminds me .. the very first time my uncle came to visit me in hostel from states he got me a little red dictionary.. with papers so thin it was amazing…
Funny was it was uk concise English dictionary..made in uk… bought in usa.. and brought to India… the book travelled more than me…
Lucky book ????????
My aunt had got a hoodie for me few years ago from USA. And the tag inside says ‘made in Bangladesh’.
He he he..it is funny ..some of the stuff here also says made in india and you wonder why is it not available in india itself….
???????????? ironic.
It probably is available in India and says Made in USA and costs double. ????
A’s Aunt got a frock for Angel from USA which had a tag Made in Taiwan. ????????
????????????
Haha. Well- travelled book indeed. ????
My first one was an Oxford Pocket Dictionary. I carried it to school and even college everyday. Have it with me still. ????
Little one real curious and I am glad to see he puts his curiosity in questions. Also, as a parent answer the question with right tone and adding encouragement is like parenting done right. Hope, he gets a new pocket beginners dictionary and love it.
Yep you should definitely get him a pocket dictionary. I remember using one in the school days. Now i use a app. 🙂
You are definitely on the right track with your little kid, arousing his curiosity and then giving him the knowledge.
O yeah, time is ripe to get his first pocket dictionary. Lovely anecdote.
I enjoyed reading the conservation between you and your son. That’s right, kids are curious about every new thing and concept. Cutest blog I have ever read.
yes, I bought my daughter dictionary . yes, its right time you should introduce him to dictionary
It is so impressive on his part and you must get him one, anything which enhances his vocabulary and his thrust for it
When kids ask questions and are curious it’s a very good sign, I think you did the right thing. There is a long way to go ?
I really liked the way you answered his questions and not just shooed him away even though you were working. Your son is lucky to have you, he definitely earned his first pocket dictionary.
He is so curious. Do get him.the dictionary and encourage him.
This is so sweet ,you should bring him a pocket dictionary.. I used to keep one with me during my school days but now using app ..
my son is always questioning me – i guess sometimes my decisions too! he asks
Wow that’s really good your sun is enjoying this questionaire, and as parents we need to check and make sure we give answers to all
Kids are the question bank. They always have so many questions. And it’s rely good. Give him a learner’s dictionary. Hope it will work.
Kids are really inquisitive by nature and its best that we feed them with correct knowledge from time to time. I am sure you should go ahead with the pocket dictionary. best gift for him.