All internet browsers know that the volume of information in cyberspace is astounding. I think back to my days at FSU as an English major, doing research in the library the old fashioned way (I still love libraries!), going back to my apartment with a stack of clunky books, reading for hours, outlining my paper longhand and then typing it up on onion skin paper on a crappy typewriter! And mistakes? What a NIGHTMARE! Correction tape, and later, White Out. Am I dating myself, or what?
No matter how time consuming, I’ve always loved doing research, even before personal computers and the internet were available. You really do not have to be an expert to get the answers to your questions on just about any subject. I just can’t stand it when I am asked a question I cannot answer. I MUST go find it, and I will not stop until I do. (My friend, Shari, calls me with any and every question she has on any and every subject, and I have always been able to find the answer for her. This makes her laugh pretty hard.)
I guess my work as a travel writer really filled my need to research. I used to sit at my desk with 10 books open at one time while speed reading and skimming to find dates and details in ridiculously short amounts of time.
Since she was quite young, I have often asked my daughter, Rachel to find answers for me both on the internet and in books. She never seems to mind this, as I suppose I have passed on to her my dominant gene for curiosity. I have requested information about a variety of topics ranging from stain removal to World War II, and from garden pests to US Passport renewal. Now at age 15, she is the Director of Internet Marketing for Smart Poodle Publishing, and teaching me how it all works!
Here’s what you should try to accomplish when encouraging your kids to research:
- Start with a topic that is of great interest to them - a favorite animal, athlete, hobby, author, historical event, landmark, etc.
- Show them how to get information from more than one source. This can mean different websites, books, journals, asking experts at school or in the family, etc.
- Encourage them to look for discrepancies in facts from different sources, and then try to figure out the best, most accurate answers.
- Teach them not to believe everything they read. There is a lot of misinformation out there!
- Help them stay organized by showing them what to with the information they gather and how to sort through it all
- Kids as young as 6 can be asked to write a short summary of their findings.
- Ask them questions about the topic so they can share their new-found expertise with you.
- Monitor their internet searching to be sure they are not accidentally going on any sites inappropriate for kids.
- Show them that you share their interest for seeking information.
- Celebrate their success, and share their findings with friends and family.
What your kids will gain by becoming avid researchers is not only curiosity, but also organizational, critical thinking and writing skills. Their confidence will improve, and this will help tremendously with their school work. As far as I am concerned, the more you know, the better off you are. That is, most of the time anyway!
Great photo!