Ada Twist, Scientist
“Why?”
“Ada Twist, Scientist” is part of a series of books written by Andrea Beaty about extraordinary children. Andrea Beaty is an author who sees children as intelligent and capable and writes their stories as such. Characters like Rosie the Engineer, Iggy the Architect, Ada the Scientist, and Sofia the President inspire children to chase after their ambitions as protagonists in their own stories.
Ada’s constant queries and experiments are lovingly supported by her parents right up until she tries to put the family cat in the dryer. At this point, they are frustrated and put her in the “thinking chair” without any more questions.
Instead of changing her ways, our resilient Ada questions on and writes her scientific formulas, questions, and hypotheses all over the wall. Realizing her genius cannot be tamed, the family joins her in her work - because that’s what families do when their child has a passion. “We’ll figure it out.”
What a powerful message to children - and to parents of children like Ada.
This book has many features that could be teased out for rich conversations with children. One in particular is that of language and how we communicate with one another. Ada doesn’t speak until she is 3, but we can tell by her actions well before that she has a lot to say and that she is thinking deeply. Her first word, “Why?” releases a flood of questions about the world around her. How very Albert Einstein of her! (Einstein did not speak until 4.)
Another point is that children’s curiosity does not have to be seen as burdensome. Questions lead to learning and understanding - and more questions! What if everyone were free to ask “why?” more often?
Of course our daily responsibilities and realities mean we can’t all drop everything and join in our children’s adventures. We can, however, make small gestures that show them we believe in their abilities and see them as capable. Let their pillow fort stay up a little longer. Give them journals to save all their drawings. Give them a wall (or 5) in the house to display their work.
It could mean the world to them.
Some things to think about…
Talk about your child’s very first word with them. What does it say about who they are growing up to be?
Journal about what you are good at right now. Are you a math whiz? Are you a nature genius? What is something you’d like to learn more about? Use one notebook dedicated to learning more about that specific idea. Journals are great for remembering and growing ideas!
