Ever hard pressed to come up with an activity to do with your children? Ever come up with a great idea, get really excited about it then get the thumbs down from your child? Yes and yes? Me too! Our intentions are good but sometimes (often times in my case) our children have their own ideas about what they want to do.
Following their lead and their curiosities is the way to go. So today I asked V (my five year old) what do you want to learn about today? Without a moment’s hesitation she flew her arms in the air and declared: DINOSAURS! She happened to be wearing a dinosaur costume which made it a no-brainer!
This topic is broken down into 2 parts. Part 1 will discuss my research on inquiry based learning and Part 2 will reveal our experience practicing inquiry based learning at home with mom (me)!
I’ve done a lot of reading about inquiry based learning and the Reggio Emilia approach in which “Children.. have some control over the direction of their learning.” Through my research I’ve found wonderful resources such as this: Getting Started with Student Inquiry. The following quotes are taken from that document:
Inquiry allows students to make decisions about their learning and to take responsibility for it.
Inquiry is about asking questions to expand understanding.
Inquiry builds on children’s natural curiosity and leads to the development of higher-order thinking skills.
Learning through inquiry is probably the most natural thing you can partake in with your child. It doesn’t require any preparation. You are not expected to have all of the answers. But there is some work in learning how to be a good teacher of inquiry based learning. Teacher isn’t really the right word, you’re more of a facilitator, leader or guide for learning.
My quick list on how to lead inquiry based learning:
- Invite your child or group of children to share their interests, questions and curiosities.
- Listen carefully and become your child’s partner in research.
- Don’t try to provide the answers, instead ask your child what they already know about the subject of interest.
- Ask “What would you like to know?” Gather a list of big questions and important areas for research.
- Carefully observe your child’s thought process and listen to what you hear them saying. This will help determine what your next steps will be. Follow their interests.
- Your research might involve a field trip exploration. Your child may decide to create an art project to explore their subject either by drawing it or sculpting it. The possibilities of their exploration are only limited to the imagination and materials available!
- “What else would you like to know?” Asking questions can open new inquiries to explore.
- Ask “How will we find out?” to get their ideas about how these questions can be explored.
Teaching with an inquiry based approach takes some practice. I’ve always admired teachers that do it well because I find it takes a special way of thinking. Often we’re programmed to give the answers and/or to lead or teach what we think is important about a particular subject. But if we remember to focus on what the child knows, what the child wants to know and ways to find that out.. and truly stick to that by listening, observing and partnering in the discovery, then we’re doing it right.
How satisfying to get into our little one’s minds, hear their theories and ideas and learn together.
Next up, our inquiry based learning experience at home.
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