{"id":925,"date":"2011-12-19T21:00:03","date_gmt":"2011-12-19T21:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/?page_id=925"},"modified":"2026-03-06T18:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T18:25:12","slug":"cl-2-5-inquiry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/cl-2-5-inquiry\/","title":{"rendered":"CL 2.5 How children learn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>As teachers, there is a certain satisfaction in delivering the perfectly wrapped-up lesson, no loose-ends left dangling. We need to keep our minds always on the goal, however. The goal of student learning is best furthered if everything is not perfectly wrapped up, if we leave things a little unfinished for students to ponder and complete themselves. . . . Not only does this keep students thinking about the lesson for far longer, but it gives them the opportunity to make their own discoveries. The pride, self-confidence, and excitement that comes from discovering for themselves, from figuring out things for themselves, is priceless&#8221; (Diamond, 2010, p. 786).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Diamond (2010) makes the point that when faced with the task of learning something new, most people would prefer to participate actively and have a chance to try it out instead of listening passively while someone lectures or describes it. However, this point is often forgotten by teachers, even those of young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch the next video in which preschool children investigate mechanical objects.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-thumbnail-Z1CCNmm wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-thumbnail\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"video-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2022\/05\/90184526.jpg\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Investigating mechanical objects (2:08)<\/span>      \n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\"><iframe frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90184526?api=1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-Z2gR6be wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>What does this video demonstrate about how children think? What conditions in these environments support the children to focus, investigate and actively explore?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dr. Lillian Katz, professor emerita at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, discusses why it&#8217;s important for teachers to move beyond the way they themselves were taught and to encourage children&#8217;s disposition of inquiry. In the article that follows, Katz discusses academic versus intellectual goals.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-2bR9QQ wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Katz &#8211; developing an inquiring disposition (1:20)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90194773?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-katz-developing-an-inquiring-disposition\/\" target=\"_blank\">Katz &#8211; developing an inquiring disposition &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-1vlYuE wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/deyproject.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/04\/dey-lively-minds-4-8-15.pdf\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Lively Minds: Distinctions between academic versus intellectual goals for young children<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-further-full-tP52e wp-block-lazyblock-further-full\"><div class=\"further-full\">\n<div class=\"wtkm\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p>See the following reading for more about academic versus intellectual goals and teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the early years.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-ZGvyBa wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ecrp.illinois.edu\/beyond\/seed\/katz.html\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the early years<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The next report is from The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. It provides a comprehensive look at STEM in early childhood, using the ecological systems approach.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-1m9Gne wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.joanganzcooneycenter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/jgcc_stemstartsearly_final.pdf\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">STEM starts early: Grounding science, technology, engineering, and math education in early childhood<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research and play<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Play is an important vehicle through which children\u2019s learning is best supported. The following article highlights the benefits of play and why it should be part of children&#8217;s programs.&nbsp;For further information, click on the &#8220;According to Experts&#8221; tab.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-Z1kWR3b wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.child-encyclopedia.com\/play\/synthesis\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Play: Synthesis<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-Z29lLMI wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<em>Encyclopedia on Early Child Developmen<\/em>t Synthesis makes a strong case for promoting play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To what extent do you see this in practice in programs for young children?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Miller and Almon (2009) authored a report that reviews research on the importance of play for healthy development in the early years. They point out the alarming decline in play-based opportunities in American Kindergarten classrooms and the negative implications of this change. In their report, they list their recommendations for how to balance child-initiated exploration with experiences that teachers guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The nine new studies&nbsp;and analyses on which this report is based all point to the same conclusion: kindergarten, long a beloved institution in American culture, is in crisis. If the problems are not recognized and remedied, the same ills will be passed on to the preschools and even to programs for children ages birth to three&#8221; (Miller &amp; Almon, 2009, pp. 11 &#8211; 12).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In the following article, these authors highlight some key research findings indicating the fact that this crisis continues. They distinguish between findings evident in the short term, as opposed to those that become evident in longer term studies. They state that &#8220;policymakers persist in ignoring the huge discrepancy between what we know about how young children learn and what we actually do in preschools and kindergartens&#8221; (Almon &amp; Miller, 2011, p. 1). As you read this article, consider how this applies to your experiences with early learning programs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-Zcwmhu wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/allianceforchildhood.org\/s\/Crisis-in-Early-Ed-A-Research-Based-Case-for-More-Play.pdf\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">The crisis in early education: A research-based case for more play and less pressure<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Continuum of play<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15989\" style=\"width:311px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2025\/11\/children-at-water-container-2048x1365.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Early Years Study 4 (McCain, 2020) highlights and reviews the importance of play. Play-based learning is framed using the &#8220;Continuum of Play&#8221;, developed by Dr Angela Pyle at the University of Toronto. This approach includes&nbsp;free play,&nbsp;inquiry play,&nbsp;collaborative play,&nbsp;playful learning, and&nbsp;learning games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read Chapter 2 Highlights to learn more. Note the illustration that includes key characteristics and examples of each category.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-Z149BCW wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/earlyyearsstudy.ca\/report_chapters\/chapter-2-highlights\/\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Early Years 4: Chapter 2 Highlights<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-9JcPe wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>The Continuum of Play includes a range of categories that are classified as child directed, educator guided, and educated directed. How does this relate to your view of play?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about a typical day in your early childhood program.&nbsp;Which types of play do you observe?&nbsp;Can you think of examples of each of the five types of play?&nbsp;Which types of activities do you facilitate or promote?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pyle is the editor of the <em>Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development<\/em>&#8216;s playful learning topic. Read the Synthesis where she defines play-based learning and highlights evidence about its benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-1R8RsP wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.child-encyclopedia.com\/pdf\/synthese\/play-based-learning\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Play-based learning: Synthesis<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Learn more about the Continuum of Play as well as other research studies at the Play Learning Lab at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of &nbsp;Child Study at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-2ly7IN wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.playlearninglab.ca\/research\" availableondvd=\"no\"]https:\/\/www.playlearninglab.ca\/research\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Play Lab<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The importance of free play, the more child directed and active types of play, was discussed in the Coping and Competence module. What about playful experiences that involve more adult involvement, those that would be considered guided play? In Pyle\u2019s framework, these are referred to as collaborative play, playful learning, and learning games. You may be familiar with, or prefer, other categorizations or terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGuided play research departs from more traditional debates on whether learning activities should be child- or adult-directed; instead, a continuum of adult involvement in children\u2019s activities is proposed from more direct instruction to a balanced approach in guided play and onto free play with minimal adult direction\u201d (Jensen et al., 2019, p. 1). &nbsp;After observing and analyzing play in Canadian and South African early years classrooms, the authors found that \u201cdespite diverging notions of play in the two cultures addressed in this analysis, educators seemed to embrace definitions of play that allowed them to successfully extend the learning possibilities of play\u201d (p. 11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the article to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-Z1OdEDE wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/09575146.2019.1619670\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Playing with a goal in mind<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is clear that adults play an important role in terms of supporting children\u2019s play. Adults need to promote a balance between child directed and adult guided play, and if appropriate, skillfully extend children\u2019s play. This requires observing, listening, reflecting and carefully responding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Jennifer Jenkins is the chair of the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development at the University of Toronto.&nbsp;Listen to her discuss the concept of cognitive sensitivity and an interesting project&nbsp;coaching Early Childhood Educators to use this technique in their work with children.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-Z2saFWp wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Jenkins \u2013 cognitive sensitivity (1:50)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/299491970?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-jenkins-cognitive-sensitivity\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jenkins \u2013 cognitive sensitivity &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-1J27v1 wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Jenkins \u2013 training for cognitive sensitivity (4:16)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/299502373?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-jenkins-training-for-cognitive-sensitivity\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jenkins \u2013 training for cognitive sensitivity &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-2wwNGu wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>How does Jenkins explain &#8220;cognitive sensitivity&#8221;?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How does she relate this skill to children&#8217;s language outcomes and learning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can adults use cognitive sensitivity to improve their practice and\/or interactions with children?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Explore the following website to learn more about cognitive sensitivity research and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-1EA22m wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/rifl.ca\/\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Responsive interactions for learning<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the next video, Dr. Janette Pelletier, professor emerita at the University of Toronto, explains how the inquiry approach capitalizes on children&#8217;s natural curiosity by encouraging questions, exploration, reflection, dialogue and documentation of their learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-2LUGJ wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Pelletier &#8211; inquiry in early childhood education (2:15)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90197598?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-pelletier-inquiry-in-early-childhood-education\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pelletier &#8211; inquiry in early childhood education &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pelletier describes ways educators can take the inquiry approach. It involves trusting children, observing, and allowing children to develop theories and discover knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-Z1tORSy wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Pelletier &#8211; the educator&#8217;s approach to inquiry (3:36)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90197605?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-pelletier-the-educators-approach-to-inquiry\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pelletier &#8211; the educator&#8217;s approach to inquiry &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the next video, Melanie Walters, the supervisor of Kittiwake Daycare in Vancouver, explains their program philosophy, which includes the core elements of democracy, risky play, and responsive curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-thumbnail-Z1LW2eh wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-thumbnail\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"video-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2022\/05\/239717765.jpg\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Walters &#8211; Kittiwake program principles (5:50)<\/span>      \n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\"><iframe frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/239717765?api=1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-Z27R7NC wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>How does this particular program philosophy fit with the information you have explored on the page about the inquiry approach and play-based learning?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The website, <em>Natural Curiosity: A resource for teachers<\/em>, was developed in 2011 by The Jackman Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto. In 2018, the Natural Curiosity team produced an updated resource with an expanded use of an Indigenous lens. Visit the website below for a wealth of information on the pedagogical approach known as environmental inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-Z2cRea6 wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalcuriosity.ca\/about-us\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Natural curiosity: The importance of Indigenous perspectives in children\u2019s environmental inquiry<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Inquiry-based practices focus on the learner and his\/her questions. Students are encouraged to investigate and discover answers. This is very different than a more traditional approach in which the teacher decides what students need to know and then imparts the knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2011\/12\/3profiles-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7782\" title=\"TAN001_TJLR_199.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2011\/12\/3profiles-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/files\/2011\/12\/3profiles.jpg 448w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dr. Thomas Boyce, distinguished professor emeritus in the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco,&nbsp;explains that all societies and groups have hierarchies and that one&#8217;s position in a social hierarchy can have implications for physical and mental health. Boyce did research in kindergarten classrooms looking at hierarchy among students. During the studies, the researchers started to pay attention to the teacher&#8217;s pedagogical approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the next videos he explains some of the findings related to hierarchy and some results that suggest the importance of using a learner-centred approach.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-oLVF4 wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Boyce &#8211; kindergarten hierarchies (2:57)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90180314?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-boyce-kindergarten-hierarchies\/\" target=\"_blank\">Boyce &#8211; kindergarten hierarchies &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-ZxEFtF wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Boyce &#8211; assessing kindergarten hierarchies (3:04)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90180210?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-boyce-assessing-kindergarten-hierarchy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Boyce &#8211; assessing kindergarten hierarchies &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-19nwm wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>What does Boyce mean by &#8220;learner-centred pedagogical practices&#8221;?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you think teachers and parents pay attention to kindergarten social hierarchies?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing what you do about the &#8220;long reach&#8221; of early childhood experience, what action do you think needs to be taken in response to Boyce&#8217;s findings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you explain the analogy Boyce makes between gradients in nations and gradients in classrooms?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-further-full-Z1buKkX wp-block-lazyblock-further-full\"><div class=\"further-full\">\n<div class=\"wtkm\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the next video, Boyce explains the methods that researchers used to assess each kindergarten child&#8217;s position in the hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-Z17fizw wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Boyce &#8211; learner-centered practices (2:55)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/90180256?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-boyce-learner-centered-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\">Boyce &#8211; learner-centered practices &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Screen time and digital media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Four evidence-based principles\u2014minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens\u2014continue to guide children\u2019s early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice for health care providers and early years professionals.&#8221; (Ponti &amp; Canadian Paediatric Society, 2023, para. 1).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology is pervasive in today\u2019s world. &nbsp;For many children, whether at home or school, this means access to an array of screens such as computers, televisions, smartphones and video games that provide a variety of content. &nbsp;What does this mean for children\u2019s learning and development?&nbsp;The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development has a great deal on the topic of technology in early childhood. Explore the section, &#8220;According to Experts&#8221; for this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-ZY8K16 wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.child-encyclopedia.com\/technology-early-childhood-education\/according-experts\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Technology in early childhood education: According to the experts<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Kim Wilson, Co-Director of the Children\u2019s Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, focuses on how to empower child representation and content through media. Explore the Children\u2019s Media Lab using the following link.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-Z10jGET wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.torontomu.ca\/childrens-media-lab\/ \" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Children&#8217;s Media Lab<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the clips below, Wilson discusses the lack of representation and often misrepresentation of children, their families, and experiences across media outlets. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-BzL08 wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Wilson &#8211; gender representation in media (2:22)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/994077115?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-wilson-gender-representation-in-media\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wilson &#8211; gender representation in media &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript-ZguC9k wp-block-lazyblock-watch-expand-transcript\"><div class=\"watch-expand expand-container context-container\">\n   <div class=\"watch tap-to-expand tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">VIEW<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Wilson &#8211; media and self-identity (2:48)<\/span>\n        \n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n   <div class=\"output-content collapse\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n      <div class=\"vimeo-container\">\n         <iframe webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/994077941?api=1\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n      <\/div><br>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/transcript\/transcript-wilson-media-and-self-identity\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wilson &#8211; media and self-identity &#8211; Text Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-1w6nG9 wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>Wilson shared many examples of media that do not represent the real world for children and families. Can you think of a television show, movie, video game or commercial that misrepresented race, gender, sexuality or childhood in general?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In what ways can you ensure any media you provide for children does represent their world?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Multiple developmental and health concerns continue to exist for young children using all forms of digital media to excess. Evidence is sufficient to recommend time limitations on digital media use for children 2 to 5 years to no more than 1 hour per day to allow children ample time to engage in other activities important to their health and development&#8221; (American Academy of Pediatrics, November 2016, para. 15).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The Canadian Pediatric Society&#8217;s 2017 Position Statement on screen time and preschool children was updated in 2022 to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-11fBY5 wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cps.ca\/en\/documents\/position\/screen-time-and-preschool-children\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">CPS Position Statement: Screen time and preschool children<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Explore parent resources available on the Canadian Pediatric Society&#8217;s website.   <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-Z15TLHt wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/caringforkids.cps.ca\/handouts\/behavior-and-development\/screen-time-and-young-children\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Screen time and young children <\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In order to help communicate research about this topic to parents consider this brochure, published by the <em>Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-read-ZYd2PP wp-block-lazyblock-read\"><div class=\"read context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.child-encyclopedia.com\/sites\/default\/files\/docs\/coups-oeil\/technology-in-early-childhood-education-info.pdf\" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">READ<\/span><span class=\"tap-description\">Eyes on young children and technology<\/span><\/span>      \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This parent resource needs to be downloaded from the Zero to Three website. Consider the figures, graphs and other visuals, and how they might be useful for parents.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-explore-Z2uBHz wp-block-lazyblock-explore\"><div class=\"explore context-container\">\n   <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zerotothree.org\/resource\/screen-sense-what-the-research-says-about-the-impact-of-media-on-children-aged-0-3-years-old\/ \" class=\"tap-container\">\n      <div class=\"tap-icon\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tap-content\">\n         <span class=\"tap-label\">EXPLORE<\/span>\n         <span class=\"tap-description\">Zero to Three &#8211; Screen sense<\/span>\n         \n      <\/div>\n   <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-reflect-ZFihf3 wp-block-lazyblock-reflect\"><div class=\"reflect\">\n\n\n<p>How are these research findings important in your program or context?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are the implications for parents and families?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can you communicate this information to parents?<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As teachers, there is a certain satisfaction in delivering the perfectly wrapped-up lesson, no loose-ends left dangling. We need to keep our minds always on the goal, however. The goal of student learning is best furthered if everything is not perfectly wrapped up, if we leave things a little unfinished for students to ponder and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":90,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-925","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=925"}],"version-history":[{"count":110,"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16337,"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/925\/revisions\/16337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.scienceofecd.com\/third-edition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}