video

From Inquiry to Project


How an accident led to a whole group inquiry and project

[This video clip is taken from "The Kindergarten" DVD (disk one) created by MELS. For information on how to obtain the entire video, click here.]

Often in classrooms a teacher plans every theme and project.  While it is good to be organized and have a master plan, this video is the perfect example that we don't always have to plan everything because some of our most interesting ideas can come from our students.  We do, however, have to be able to notice teachable moments and be willing to go with the flow when inquiry arises. 

Ideas for projects and inquiry can be your idea but they can also come from the students or from events that happen in school, as you will see in this video.  It is okay if you don't have all the answers when a project develops such as this, but together with the students you can plan a meaningful learning situation.

Speakers in order of appearance, and their role at the time of recording:

Christiane Bourdages-Simpson, teacher