THINK
Fostering Inquiry
Encourage preschoolers to observe, predict, and experiment
At A Glance
Preschoolers are curious, active learners who love to explore and test out their environment. We can support children’s development of inquiry skills by asking questions. Then we can use a hands-on approach to answering these questions. Children can engage in the tried-and-true steps of the scientific method to build a greater understanding of the world around them! This includes observing, predicting, experimenting, recording, and sharing.What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can help preschoolers develop inquiry skills
Encourage Observations
Support children as they make observations. Notice how this educator not only encourages children to describe what they notice, but also repeats and extends their findings.
Collect and Compare Data
Encourage children to use their inquiry skills. Notice how this educator asks children to gather information, make comparisons, and analyze their voting results.
Promote Predictions
Prompt children to make thoughtful predictions. Notice how this educator uses comments and questions that help children tap into their existing knowledge.
SUPPORTING THINKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Paletero Man
SUPPORTING THINKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
I Wonder
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
Answering Difficult Questions
FAMILY CONNECTION
Inquiry Based Learning
CONSIDERING EQUITY
Inquiry for All
This article from NAEYC offers strategies for creating equitable and inclusive science environments with multilingual learners in mind.
Activity Cards for Preschool Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to foster inquiry skills
Let's Investigate
Provide tools, like magnifying glasses and journals, to encourage children to investigate the world around them.
Watch It Roll
Challenge children to find different ways to move round objects from place to place.
What Would Happen If?
Prompt children to make predictions about what might happen in real or silly situations.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
