"Les enfants n'ont une véritable compréhension que de ce qu'ils inventent eux-mêmes"

When kids create something on their own, that's when they truly get it. It's like building a LEGO set without instructions—it's messy, takes longer, but the end result is something they deeply understand and are proud of.

Historically, this idea comes from the educational philosophies of people like Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist known for his work on child development. Piaget believed that children learn best through doing. It's not about memorizing facts dumped on them from textbooks but about discovering and constructing knowledge themselves. This approach has influenced modern education systems that prioritize hands-on learning.

Let’s bring this to life with a vivid example. Think about a classroom where kids are learning about plants. Instead of just reading about photosynthesis, the teacher asks them to plant seeds and observe them grow. They make predictions, water their plants, and track the changes over weeks. When they see the first green shoots, they understand what it means for a seed to sprout. They get how sunlight and water are crucial—because they’ve seen it happen right in front of them.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in everyday life? Encourage curiosity. Let kids tinker and explore. If they’re curious about how a toy works, let them take it apart (with supervision, of course). If they’re interested in cooking, involve them in making a meal. These experiences push them to think critically and learn deeply.

Here’s a story to illustrate the concept. Imagine a little girl named Emma who loves playing with her dad’s old radio. One day, she asks how it works. Instead of just explaining, her dad hands her a screwdriver and they open it up. Emma is thrilled—twisting screws, peering inside, asking a ton of questions. They spend the afternoon figuring out what each part does. A few weeks later, Emma builds her own simple radio from a kit. She’s not just assembling parts; she’s understanding how those parts come together to play music. This hands-on experience rooted the concept deeply in her mind.

So next time a child asks a question, instead of giving a straight answer, think about how they can discover it themselves. It might be a bit chaotic and take more time, but that’s how real understanding grows.

Ultimately, it’s about fostering an environment where kids feel free to explore and invent. They’re naturally curious—let that curiosity drive their learning. Isn’t that what we all loved when we were kids? Exploring, building, and discovering things on our own. Let’s give that gift to the next generation.