(Chapter 1 was covered by Vanessa at Pre-K Pages; Chapter 2 by Deborah at Teach Preschool.)
This chapter reinforced the idea introduced in Chapter 1 - that play, exploration, and discovery are vital to a child's learning and growing. This type of constructive learning expands the brain's capability and grows a child's overall understanding of the world.
The chapter focused on the process of inquiry - asking questions and seeking solutions. Information seeking inquiry focuses on a specific question or problem and works for a solution or answer. Wondering inquiry is more general and broad. Young children use both kinds - and so do adults.
I like the process the authors illustrated for inquiry.
Mess Around (notice, wonder)
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| Let's put these lids on top of the others. |
Define Question (plan for observing)
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| Look! I have green on the bottom and red on the top. |
Find Out (investigate, explore)
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| I can mix up the materials to make 10. |
Share Learning (discuss, draw conclusions)
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| We can roll and race the counting chips. Look! They can knock down other obstacles. |
By providing open-ended activities, teachers can help kids form questions, explore, wonder, and learn. That applies to literacy and to other learning.
Next up in the tour: Prekinders will discuss chapter 4 - An Organized, Engaging Environment for Learning.
