Inquiry-Based Learning with Nature

01/31/2018

Inquiry-Based Learning with Nature

Be fast when it makes sense to be fast and be slow when slowness is called for. Seek to live at what musicians call the tempo giusto - the right speed.
Carl Honoré, In Praise of Slow

"Although it is important to give children plenty of time to explore natural items in the classroom, it is also essential to promote inquiry-based learning," write Sandra Duncan and Jody Martin in their beautiful new book, Bringing the Outside In: Ideas for Creating Nature-Based Classroom Experiences for Young Children. "Acknowledge children’s previously acquired knowledge by asking reflective questions such as, 'What do you know about rocks or shells?' Pose open-ended questions like, 'What do you think might happen,' or 'What are you observing?' Give children the luxury of time to think and ponder or investigate before re-asking or posing another question...Always be aware of the importance of silence – especially on your part. Being silent and getting out of their way gives children the opportunity to come up with their own ideas and draw their own conclusions."

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