Spicewood Elementary School “Inquiry” is defined as “a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge — seeking information by questioning.” At Spicewood, teachers to an inquiry based approach to teaching and learning in the classroom. Inquiry is messy, takes time, and is full of student driven questions and wonderings. Students are encouraged to ask questions, constructing their own knowledge through research, classroom learning experiences (for example: whole group discussions and hands on experiments), and making connections between previous and current learning. So what exactly does inquiry look like?
This week we’re sharing some classroom examples giving you a quick “snapshot” into the unfolding of inquiry in the classroom.
Teachers support students’ inquiry by making their thinking visible.
Inquiry cycle guides teaching and learning within 2nd grade’s Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry.
Students use LOTS of sticky notes to jot down their wonderings and make connections with their learning.
The inquiry based approach is used in robotics. Teachers use questions to help students problem solve as they collaborate to construct and code their robots.
As students learning the language of coding they experiment and play.
Curious as to how you can foster inquiry at home? Below are some tips for how you can support your child!
- Support and encourage interest and curiosity by following up with activities at home (be sure to ask your child’s teacher/your child what’s going on in class!)
- Encourage and practice good communication skills such as starting conversations and debates about current events
- Help your kids develop research skills online and from text