Children are naturally curious. They want to know how things work and why things happen. They think like a scientist as they try to understand the world around them, this method of thinking comes naturally to them. As their caregivers, we can help support their scientific thinking and explorations by involving children in planning and carrying out investigations, proposing explanations and solutions, and helping them in communicating their understanding of concepts in a variety of ways. 

Questioning, critical thinking, and the creative development of new knowledge through inquiry are as important to learning as information finding through research. Inquiry-based learning provides an opportunity for early learners to engage in research around interesting ideas and essential questions. Young children try to understand the world around them by exploring through their senses, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling. While learning about a topic, children must be encouraged to explore resources, ask questions and share ideas. They must be allowed to discover knowledge for themselves by exploring, experiencing and discussing as they participate in active learning. 

How to promote inquiry in young children?-

>Providing sensory rich experiences for children to explore, discover and ask questions.

>Encouraging deep thinking by asking open-ended questions.

>Allowing children to explore their environment independently

>Encouraging discussions and conversations 

>Encouraging children to share their findings with their peers and learn from each other

>Promoting reflections

>Observing, recording and keeping notes of a child's interest through discussions and play, etc. 

Indeed, by challenging them to find solutions based on their own knowledge and experience, this learning approach empowers students to increase their self-confidence, and to freely experiment focusing on the inquiry itself rather than the fear of being “wrong”. 

Warm Regards,

Purva Deosugur

Early Years Coordinator

Kanakia Kids IS