Inquiry Based Learning Archives

Ignite Your Preschooler’s Learning Journey with Personalized Unit Studies

Have you ever witnessed your preschooler’s eyes light up with excitement when they stumble upon something they’re truly curious about? Their natural sense of wonder is a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed in their educational journey. But how can we, as homeschool families, turn that curiosity into meaningful learning experiences? The answer lies in […]

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What is Project Based Learning in the elementary classroom?

Inquiry Based Learning

An official definition for PBL would be something like “A framework or “skeleton” for engaging students in authentic real world challenges or problems through content knowledge.” But for me, Project Based Learning is the instructional model I use when developing my yearly goals, curriculum maps, and scope/sequence aligned assessments. It is the means by which

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4 Ways to Include Caring Adults in Your Project Based Learning Classroom

Inquiry Based Learning, Project Based Learning

How can parents help with PBL? How do we build parent support for PBL (Project Based Learning) in our classrooms? By utilizing and informing the caring adults that raise and encourage our students, we can increase engagement and involvement. According to an article in “Public School Review,” parent involvement leads to better classroom behavior and

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5 Roles Community Partners Play in PBL Units

5 Roles That Make Good Community Partnerships

Inquiry Based Learning, Project Based Learning

Community partners play many different roles in Project Based Learning units. As a PBL facilitator and now an instructional coach, I have witnessed firsthand the most effective ways to utilize a community partner in quality and authentic unit. 1. Entry Event When I taught 1st Grade, we loved using community partners to come in and

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E-Learning Classroom Resources and the Purposes They Serve

General Elementary Education, Inquiry Based Learning

E-learning can present many challenges. Chief among these is the struggle to find resources to help us with a specific instructional goal that effectively supports distance learning. Below are resources listed underneath the instructional purpose best supported by these digital tools. 1. Whole Group Discussions, Lessons, & Morning Meetings First, ask yourself if you want to have

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3 Steps for Starting an “I Wonder” Board in Your Classroom

Inquiry Based Learning, Project Based Learning

Once you understand the purpose of an “I Wonder” board, beginning one in your classroom can be intimidating. No matter the method for implementing your board, you will find these three steps helpful in ensuring the success of your “I Wonder” board. 1. Re-Teach Students About Curiosity Children are naturally born with curiosity and a tendency towards inquiry.

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What is an “I Wonder” board?

Inquiry Based Learning

An “I Wonder” board is an effective tool of inquiry in most STEM/STEAM, Inquiry Based, and Project Based Learning classrooms. However, an “I Wonder” board can be implemented, and effectively used, with any instructional approach. As a PBL coach and workshop facilitator, I often encourage teachers to use an “I Wonder” board to dip their toes into the waters of student-led inquiry. To develop inquiry in

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Voting in Project Based Learning Classrooms

Inquiry Based Learning

Voting is a crucial component in any Project Based Learning classroom. As a foundational skill, it is an element of PBL that often does not get enough direct instruction. According to the New York Times, fewer than half of Americans between the ages of 18-29 voted in the 2016 presidential election. The article went on to state that one of the factors that

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