JumpStart Big Word Day (4/21/25)

QUOTE:  "Awe is the beginning of wisdom.  Awe is the beginning of education." (Matthew Fox)

MESSAGE:  When the kids were little, we took them to the Northwest - Seattle, the Oregon coast, obsidian fields, and the Tillamook cheese factory. Our last stop was Crater Lake. I think they remember the fact that there was snow in July and we had a snowball fight. I remember feeling completely awed as we walked up to the first overlook and could see the entire caldera in its serenity and vastness.
Awe involves a sense of being in the presence of something impressive or significant. It awe-ften arises when we observe or are surrounded by something that defies our understanding or knowledge.

Our feeling of awe is triggered by things like nature, art or music, human interactions or accomplishments and can sometimes involve a little bit of fear, intimidation, or humility.

Sometimes, ‘awe’ is used interchangeably with ‘wonder’.

Wonder is the desire to understand or to explore something new or mysterious, so it’s more reflective than awe. Basically, awe is observing, and wonder is seeking to understand.

Both of these emotions are ‘good’ ones, and ones that should be sought out and cultivated since they enhance one’s feeling of well-being and can forge stronger social connections.

THIS WEEK TRY THIS: What memory do you have of being awestruck? What are you wondering about right now? Share those memories with others and be sure to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity in your students.

DAD JOKE:  I've written a book on how to fall down the stairs.  It's a step-by-step guide.