Young learners in Lauren Kneale’s and Val Tansley’s Kindergarten class are still experiencing summer in the classroom.
Students have been bringing in “Wonder Items” from home that they find interesting. As the children share and investigate the items, the inquiry process begins. In this case, seashells were brought in. After sharing, the students independently found a book in the reading centre about seashells.
The students read the book and then continued with their investigation by looking at the shells and asking questions such as, “Why are some shells different shapes?”
Students also discussed what they already know about shells and recorded their questions and prior knowledge on post it notes. Emergent writing and picture drawing were examples of how students shared their thinking.
They were then given the opportunity to investigate using technology with iPads, where they found pictures and information which further strengthen their inquiry skills and sense of wonder.