Kindergarten 2

  “And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” -Meister Eckhart What does it mean to share the planet? In 2015, the United Nations authored the Sustainable Development Goals with a vision to create a better future for all. This is in response to the growing need for a change in our values and principles as a people to address the different issues that afflict the world. It is a big feat to undertake as the goals call for a global effort, and it's easy to forget that every triumph begins with a single step. One choice, one action, and one individual -- regardless of what age they are --   can ignite the spark to a big change. In our last unit, the kindergarteners learned that their choices have an impact on themselves. This week, they take the first step in discovering their capacity to make a difference in a larger scale: the world. The next chapter of the kindergarteners' learning journey focuses on the transdisciplinary t...

  “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”  -Robert Brault Each day consists of tiny moments that may seem inconsequential at the time when they happen, but when we look back we realize that they play a big part in shaping who we are.  The cycle of inquiry begins by activating a child’s curiosity through provocations and by giving opportunities for their wonderings to shine. It continues through investigation, exploration, and hands-on experiences, which are all focused on finding the answers to the children's questions. Throughout the process of learning, children are encouraged to reflect on what they’ve learned, how they have learned them, and what has changed in them — whether it’s through the new knowledge they acquired, skills they honed, or values they believe in. At the end of an inquiry, deeper learning is evidenced through the actions that the children will choose to do with what they have learned.  ...

  “Reflection is looking back so that the view looking forward is even clearer.” One of my passions outside of teaching is photography. There’s something special about looking through a camera lens and preserving an image of a beautiful scene or a special moment on film. One of the reasons why I enjoy it is because it allows me to pause and see the world from a different perspective.  Some of my favorite photographs from my trip to Hokkaido during our Autumn break In inquiry-based learning, reflection is an important step which allows the learner to deepen the learning process. It lets the learner pause and revisit the new knowledge, skills, or concepts that he/she has acquired throughout the unit. It’s similar to looking at a photo and remembering the moment when the image took place — but in this case, you look back on what you have learned. Just like a camera lens, the process of reflection also allows us to refocus and recalibrate our thinking, and identify how we will ...