The Magic Question

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” When Jesus said, he wasn’t suggesting that some of those around him did not have ears. What he was saying is this is a lesson for which you need to think deeply. His intention was for his disciples to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He had insight into their understanding, almost like he could see their thinking. Was it magic?

“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you…”

Luke 8:10

Thinking Deeply

In Luke chapter eight, Jesus made this statement regarding the sower who went out to sow his seed, some fell by the way side, some upon rocky ground, some among thrones, and some on good ground. Of course, he desires our hearts to be like the good ground, for us to hear the word, keep it, and produce good fruit.

The message was clear, Jesus had something important to think about. There was a  reason to think deeply. He wanted his students to experience the kind of learning that has a lasting impact and powerful influence, not only in the short term, but also for the long haul.

As an educator, I often wished I could see what my students were thinking. This would have made my job so much easier. Uncovering thinking provides evidence of the insights as well as misconceptions. This can also be useful for parents interested in the learning of their children. Making their thinking visible provides information needed to plan opportunities to take learning to the next level, to continue engagement with a topic being explored. We want our children to not only learn, but also learn how to learn. When we demystify the thinking and learning process, we provide models for learners of what it means to engage with ideas, to think, and to learn. We dispel the idea that learning is just committing to memory the information that will be on the test.

Is It Magic?

To help you see inside your child’s head, let me introduce you to the magic question: “What makes you say that?” This question is at the heart of one of the most fully integrated thinking routines that teachers can use in the classroom. But it isn’t just a teaching tool, it is a way of life. Putting it into practice will help your child learn so much more. It will produce deeper conversations with friends and family. Instead of just responding right away to comments, ask “What makes you say that?” Now, the tone and your wording is critical to getting people to elaborate and clarify, in a non-threating way. For example, “Tell me why?” serves the same role, but it doesn’t convey the same level of openness and interest.

Try it! You will be amazed at how much thinking gets revealed that previously lay hidden. It may seem awkward at first, but you will find this routine useful for uncovering thinking in all kinds of situations.

There are many mysteries that we want our children to understand. Yes, we know that they have ears, but we cannot literally see inside their heads. The magic question is perfect for facilitating and clarifying thinking. It is a way to figuratively get inside the heads of your children, so that you can help advance your child’s learning. This one question  will help you create a culture of thinking in your home.

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear