Playful inquiry in the EY - A Toolkit

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Imagine a classroom where the rustle of leaves and the patter of raindrops ignite a flurry of questions from a group of four-year-olds. “Why do leaves fall? Why do they change colours? Is the rain pushing them off the tree?” In this scenario, educators are not just providers of answers but are co-explorers, using these questions as a springboard into a world of exploration. This hands-on discovery process is central to our toolkit, which emphasises playful invitations and provocations that not only engage children but also inspire them to delve deeper into their surroundings.

How often do we, as educators, truly engage with the natural inquisitiveness of the children? Are we equipped to transform their fleeting curiosities into meaningful learning experiences? This toolkit is here to help you reflect on these questions and more. It guides you through setting up environments that provoke thoughtful inquiry, illustrates how educators can be driven by inquiry alongside their children, and demonstrates how you, too, can embody an inquisitive spirit in your professional life.

Furthermore, the toolkit includes five detailed setups that encourage specific explorations, from the natural world to everyday materials, ensuring that every educator has the tools to foster an enriching learning environment.

Dive into a world where learning is driven by curiosity, and where every question is an opportunity for growth. Explore more, inquire more, and teach in a way that transforms learning from the earliest days of the child’s learning journey.

Author
Lisa Kane
Early Years Consultant, Educator, Author

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Lisa Kane
Lisa is a passionate early years educator, having found her way into the field after being fascinated by the rapid and wondrous development in the first years of her own children’s lives. Following these curiosities has taken her through a degree and post-grad in Early Years education, and clocking up over 20 years of hands-on experience in a variety of international school settings. Lisa believes that learning is co-constructed alongside the smallest humans, and is energised by the curiosity, awe and wonder they generate.
Playful Inquiry in the Early Years – A Toolkit
Imagine a classroom where the rustle of leaves and the patter of raindrops ignite a flurry of questions from a group of four-year-olds. "Why do leaves fall? Why do they change colours? Is the rain pushing them off the tree?" In this scenario, educators are not just providers of answers but are co-explorers, using these questions as a springboard into a world of exploration. This hands-on discovery process is central to our toolkit, which emphasises playful invitations and provocations that not only engage children but also inspire them to delve deeper into their surroundings. How often do we, as educators, truly engage with the natural inquisitiveness of the children? Are we equipped to transform their fleeting curiosities into meaningful learning experiences? This toolkit is here to help you reflect on these questions and more. It guides you through setting up environments that provoke thoughtful inquiry, illustrates how educators can be driven by inquiry alongside their children, and demonstrates how you, too, can embody an inquisitive spirit in your professional life. Furthermore, the toolkit includes five detailed setups that encourage specific explorations, from the natural world to everyday materials, ensuring that every educator has the tools to foster an enriching learning environment. Dive into a world where learning is driven by curiosity, and where every question is an opportunity for growth. Explore more, inquire more, and teach in a way that transforms learning from the earliest days of the child’s learning journey.