What is better... Why or What for?

Is it better to use "What for" with children in educational setting?

Amir Azizpour

1/4/20242 min read

Using "What for" instead of "Why" can indeed make the intent behind the question clearer, especially for younger audiences. "Why" is a broad question that can sometimes be abstract or philosophical, which might be more challenging for children to grasp. On the other hand, "What for" explicitly seeks the purpose or the intent behind something, which can be more concrete and directly related to outcomes or goals.

Here are some considerations for using "What for" in educational contexts like Pixtoria:

What for:

  • Purpose-Oriented: "What for" directly addresses the purpose or the end goal of an action, event, or object. For example, asking "What is this tool for?" is more direct and might be easier to answer and understand than "Why do we use this tool?"

  • Actionable: Responses to "What for" often lead to actionable understanding. Knowing the purpose of something helps children understand how they might interact with it or what they can do with it.

  • Relatable: "What for" can often be answered with relatable outcomes or reasons, which can make the learning more relevant and engaging for children.

Comparing with Why:

  • Why: Might address broader reasons including cause and effect, existential reasons, or historical background. For example, "Why do we have rainbows?" can encompass scientific explanations, cultural interpretations, or even personal significance.

  • What for: Focuses specifically on the intention or purpose. For example, "What is a rainbow for?" might lead to explanations about its role in nature, in culture, or in art, directly addressing its utility or significance.

In Educational Context:

In the imaginative and educational setting of Pixtoria, using "What for" can provide clear, purpose-driven narratives that engage children's understanding of utility and intention. It can encourage them to think about the applications and implications of their learning, making the experience more tangible and meaningful. For instance, when exploring a magical item or phenomenon in Pixtoria, "What for" can lead to exciting discoveries about its use in adventures, its role in the storyline, or its significance in the larger world of Pixtoria.

While "Why" remains a powerful question for deeper philosophical or scientific inquiry, "What for" can be a more accessible and direct way to engage young minds with the practical and purposeful aspects of learning and discovery. Both can be valuable tools in education, and choosing between them might depend on the context, the age of the learners, and the specific learning objectives at hand. In a world as rich and varied as Pixtoria, having both "Why" and "What for" in the vocabulary can only enhance the journey of exploration and understanding.

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Using "What for" instead of "Why" can indeed make the intent behind the question clearer, especially for younger audiences. "Why" is a broad question that can sometimes be abstract or philosophical, which might be more challenging for children to grasp. On the other hand, "What for" explicitly seeks the purpose or the intent behind something, which can be more concrete and directly related to outcomes or goals.