Our natural inclination as children is to learn something and then constantly practice until that thing becomes knowledge.
When a child learns about numbers and then about counting, they count everything. They count normal things like cookies, crayons or people. But then they also count things you and I probably wouldn’t count like dots on a stool (real life example happening right now). Everything is interesting enough to count!
They make mistakes. Oh so many miscounts, skipping over indidivual numbers or entire sections. But they don’t really beat themselves up about the mistake – a little chuckle and they keep going.
They celebrate and are enthusiastic about each step. Something as small as being able to (correctly) say that there are two balloons deserves all the YAY’s and applause.
The thing with something that comes as naturally to us as counting is that we all started somewhere. And we did it before we were “ready.” Before we knew what came after 10 or knew how to do it correctly.
Children are innately wise, and carry themselves as all lifelong learners should.
As we embark on learning new things, whether that be art, meditation or a sport, let’s approach it the way toddlers approach counting. Do it enthusiastically even if you make mistakes. Chuckle off those mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Apply that knowledge everywhere and bring others along on the journey (counting alone is no fun). And celebrate every milestone!
