Man vs. Man

Yesterday, I learned just what kids are capable if you give them an opportunity to learn.
One of them made the comment at lunch that there is always a bad in movies. Another little smarty-pants refuted this with, "Not in 'Fisher-Price Little People'".

I couldn't help myself. I introduced them to the literary conflicts of Man vs. Man, Man vs. Himself and Man vs. Nature. I gave simple examples of each one, and they really seemed to get it.
At one point I tried to give the example of an inner conflict. "Imagine if you have to decide to go to the park or go to a party. This is Man against Himself."

"That's not much of a conflict, Mom!" Ashlynn was quick to reply.

Then once they all got it, they started going through movies and books that they liked and siting examples of each type of conflict.

I was very impressed. I think we don't give children enough credit. I think if you tech them what ubiquitous means and use occasionally, they will understand.