The Importance of Asking Questions

On the first day of History class, we focused on the importance of asking questions. We talked about the way that asking questions helps people grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

In fact, asking a clever or inspiring question can be more important than answering the question! This is particularly true since many of the questions we will ask and discuss this year do not have a single “correct” answer.

The students responded to our discussion by asking some terrific questions about Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, Lady with an Ermine. Here are a few examples:

Jamez: What is Leonardo da Vinci trying to tell us, in this painting?

Colby and Greer: Why is the woman holding an animal? Does the animal symbolize something?

        Caroline: I think the animal symbolizes her being one with nature and having a free spirit.

Rowen and Griffin: Who or what are the lady and the animal looking at? Why are they looking away from the painter?

Willow: The painter wanted to have the lady looking away to convey that women can see things that men cannot. Women tone into things that boys and men might overlook.

Nicole: Why did Leonardo da Vinci usually choose to paint women?

             Jack and Case (building off each other): Back then, men probably had more power in society. Choosing to paint women could have been a way for Leonardo to show that he respected women, even though they were less powerful and had fewer rights.

James A.: Why would Leonardo choose a dark background for this painting?

Will and Marin: What emotions is the woman feeling? Is she happy?

The students had many different ideas about the lady's emotions. Some students said it looks like she is happily daydreaming, while others thought she may feel uncomfortable -- perhaps because she has been posing for so long!

Other students thought she has a glimmer of a mischievous smile ... perhaps she's getting ready to play a prank on Leonardo da Vinci?!!