Inquiry-based learning for toddlers and other child care solutions

Inquiry-Based Learning for Toddlers

June 27, 2018

 

Strong Start Early Care and Education Center offers high-quality day care in the Trumbull / Bridgeport area. We use an inquiry-based curriculum. You may well ask how an inquiry-based curriculum is implemented for very young children. We’ve talked, in recent blogs about questions that spur thinking and problem-solving in pre-k children, but what do we do when those in daycare are very young and really don’t have the language skills to formulate questions? The theory behind inquiry-based learning is that it can be used at younger ages, and is known as active learning. When a child engages all their senses in learning, it can be said that they are using active learning. This can be done indoors, as well as outdoors.

Stations

  • One way to use inquiry-based learning for young children is to have stations that are devoted to certain activities.
  • Examples of these stations are house play, blocks, science, dolls, vehicles, puzzles, and coloring
  • Small groups of children are allowed at each station for a set amount of time.
  • The amount of time allows the children to explore for themselves instead of engaging in a teacher directed activity.
  • Children then switch stations and explore for a time at another station. If there is room, they are allowed to stay at one station as long as they like.

Sensory Learning

  • Sensory learning is a key component of being an active learner.
  • Children should be encouraged to voice their observations.
  • Sensory learning can take place either outdoors or indoors.
  • Outdoor sensory learning can take the form of exploring a local pond in a summertime, an autumn leaf pile,  a winter snowbank or a springtime flower garden.
  • Children should be encouraged to touch, smell and use all their senses, their whole bodies to explore the environment.
  • Indoor activities can find from in play dough, shaving cream, water play, cooking, and indoor sandboxes.

Call for a tour of the facility or schedule one online here.

 

Best-Kids

We’ve created an environment where your child will feel physically and emotionally secure and happy. Feeling secure unlocks confidence and learning potential, allowing for natural exploration and inquiry about the world. Find out more today!

Nothing is more important than your child's safety and security. Strong Start is built on the promise of creating an environment where all children feel physically and emotionally secure. That sense of security and peace of mind will be extended to you as a parent as well.

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