Today’s giving: Taught Session 2 of Fourth Grade Engineering.

What kind of answer do you get to the question – “How was your day?”

“Fine”, “Good”, “Tiring”.

If you want a different answer, try this question. “What was the most boring part of your day?”

Both children and adults have the wonderful ability to remember the worst.  The first time you ask this question, you may get a pause, then a thoughtful answer.

Once you have an answer, probe it; “Why was math so boring?”, “Why is commuting such a pain?”, “Why was that meeting so long?”

If you probe a little, you may discover a need. And if you find a need, there is a problem, to which you might have a solution.

Years ago, this is how I discovered that my son wasn’t being challenged in some of his elementary classes. Once I knew he wasn’t challenged, I could create interesting challenges. I also found out I could volunteer a lunch hour every week to help out his teacher. The teacher then had more resources and time to help my son and his classmates find more challenges.

Giving is problem-solving, although you may have to dig a little to find the problem.