Inquiry-Based Learning Approach and Why It Should Be In Every Classroom

            Let’s begin with – What even is inquiry-based learning? The inquiry-based learning approach begins by “posing questions, problems, or scenarios – rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge.”

            Here are 10 reasons why you should incorporate the inquiry-based learning approach into your classroom:

·      This type of learning is extremely student centered

·      Increases intellectual engagement

·      Allows students to create and form their own questions

·      Encourages students to gather their own supporting evidence to answer particular questions

·      Guides students to explain their evidence collected

·      Allows them to see the connection between their explanation to their current knowledge based on the investigative process

·      Students are able to create an argument to their learning and justify their explanation through a reasonable response

·      Can be incorporated into all subject areas

·      Students are encouraged to search and make use of various resources beyond the classroom

·      Encourages students to use all their senses in learning! – Fun way in learning/applying information

The inquiry-based learning approach is very different from the traditional learning approach that we are familiar with. Although no way is the “correct” way to teach, I personally believe that the inquiry-based learning approach is far more engaging and interactive. This creates a learning environment where students are motivated in trying new things and ultimately construct their own knowledge and thinking, which is what learning is all about!

Bringing Recess Back

The idea of recess has shifted dramatically over the years – nearly to the point where teachers see it as a “nuisance” because it is interrupting their teaching time. Playtime, especially in the younger elementary grades, is a major contributing factor to a child’s overall education and helping them perform their very best.

When I asked one of my students one morning what her favorite part of the day was she immediately piped up yelling in pure excitement, “RECESS!” I couldn’t help but laugh because I thought to myself, - Silly question, she’s just a kid. Of course she loves recess! This amusing response got me thinking about how I, as an educator, believe that recess is equally as important as classroom time.

As much as I believe in the importance of classroom time, I also feel it is so important for children to explore their learning through playtime as well! Recess is a time all about social interaction and imaginative play. It is a time for kids to simply be kids again. But with today’s schedule, 20 minutes a day for recess simply isn’t cutting it. In reality, by the time children are lined up and accounted for, they ultimately have 15 minutes for time for themselves. 15 minutes! – As we can all probably agree, that is just too short of a time compared to the long school day these children are putting in.

With this new trend, I am currently trying to incorporate scheduled breaks at various parts throughout the school day. This is a great way to break up the school day and separate downtime from academics. Something as simple as having the class do ten jumping jacks as we transition from reading to math has made a huge difference and overall improvement in their attention span!

Overall, recess is equally as important as academics, especially in the younger age groups. Therefore, we need to acknowledge that kids are still kids and need time to express that as well.

At Home Literacy Encounters

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Working together as teachers and guardians of the children, there are so many ways to help the children learn in and outside the classroom. By having open communication and dialogue between teacher and guardian, a list of different activities can be created to displayed literacy encounters for the children. The list can be specific to activities done at home that are outside of the classroom setting.

• Going on a Scavenger Hunt with a checklist- Have the child find the different items then write/draw what he/she saw. 
• "I Spy" Letter words- Whether in the car, grocery store or at home playing I spy with the child come help them recognize their letters. 
• Simply reading books together
• The child could help the parent cook- Helping read the recipe, measuring out the different ingredients....
  
• Play "What's Missing?"- Label different objects around the home with the appropriate name, such as door for door. Over the next couple of days take a letter away and see if the child notices, can still tell what the object is and identify which letter is missing. 
• When driving have children's books on tape to listen to. 
• Asking the child to write down a grocery list or reminder notes
  
• Making birthday, Christmas or general cards instead of buying cards. 
• In a basement or playroom, create a chalkboard on the wall for the child to practice writing. 
• Taking trips to the library together

This is just a short list as to how to invite literacy into the home. However just doing these little things could benefit the child's learning immensely. This proves that learning does not just stop at the exiting of a school building.  

The In on ADHD

There are some warning signs that are considered red flags in a child when diagnosing children with any diagnosis. The warning signs differ from child to child, age and from boy to girl. Some of the symptoms start as early as age two and three. Boys tend to show more

symptoms of being hyperactive while girls are more inattentive. However the common warning signs are not being able to focus and/or sit still. Further signs are not being able to follow instructions, often appearing to be daydreaming, having difficulty organizing, often forgetful, and easily distracted. Some of the hyperactivity signs are fidgeting, having difficulty remaining seated, interrupting others, and having trouble waiting for their turn in a classroom/ at home.

After realizing these warning signs there are many ways that teachers and parents can work together to do the best they can for the child with ADHD. Parents need to keep communication open with the teachers about their child that has ADHD. Parents and teachers need to work together to develop goals and plans for the child to learn at his or her best. Once the parents and teachers are comfortable talking and meeting with each other, the plan they develop can be put into action. One of these plans is called a behavioral plan which can be found on the website Center for Children and Families, which is called The Dailey Report Card.

After talking to parents there are tips and strategies for the teacher to use in the classroom.  When children get distracted easily, the teacher can create lesson plans that involve more movement, and if the work is supposed to take a long time, break the work up into shorter

chunks. When a child interrupts in the classroom it is actually a very sensitive case to handle. If the child is scolded it could affect their self-esteem.  Teachers should very discreetly inform the child that he/she is interrupting the class. Also when the child does not interrupt the class the teacher should praise them.  Another strategy is about the impulse control of the children. Teachers can tape the class schedule near the student with ADHD, and when their impulse control is badly towards other children consequences should be taken immediately. However praise should be taken immediately and out loud when a child does something good.  One of hardest for teachers that have children with ADHD in their classrooms is the aspect of the fidgeting and being hyperactive. Some strategies for teachers with children that can not sit still would be to provide lesson plans with movement. Other ways is to ask the child to “run errands” such as walking across the room to grab a book or sharpen pencils. Also encourage the child to take part in a sport, to exercise before and after school and make sure they never miss recess and/ or physical education.

Some children may have difficulties with instructions, homework and some academic subjects such as reading and math. When the child is having difficulty following instructions the teacher can give simple step by step instructions, and calmly remind the child to stay on task. There are steps for helping the child at home with homework. Teachers can create color coded folders labeled unfinished and finished homework. Also the teacher can help the child create checklists for what they need to complete at home. One of the academic subjects that the child may struggle with is reading. The teacher can make this fun and interesting for the child with ADHD by creating story acting and having the child make predictions about what will happen in the story the class is reading.  Another subject area the child may struggle with is mathematics.

When teaching mathematics, the teacher can create fun math games that involve pictures and simple terminology. These are just some simple and basic strategies that teachers can use and discuss with the parents that will benefit the children.

In conclusion teachers, parents and children are affected by the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many tips and strategies that can be found online for parents and teachers that will help the child it education.  ADHD can not be cured but there are ways to less the severity of ADHD and to make school a fun and welcoming place for the child with ADHD. The children with ADHD are not just that, they are amazing people with big hearts that just want to fit in like everyone else.  

Giving Techs a Chance

I want to set one thing straight technical schools are not just for people who do not want to go to college.  Tech schools are also not just for people who are less intelligent than their peers in a "traditional" school setting.  One of my professors actually said that the majority of the books in the tech school's libraries are graphic novels.  When our class asked her why she told us it was because the students at technical schools are at lower reading levels than most other students their age.  I was livid after being told that. 

People seem to be stuck in an old mind frame about technical schools which was that only the dumb kids who wouldn’t make it in the world go to trade schools.  People seem to have trouble understanding that a technical school just offers a different way of teaching.  According to the Massachusetts Department of Education website, tech schools like, Shawsheen Regional Technical School, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational School, Nashoba Valley Regional Technical School, and Essex North Shore Agricultural Technical High School, have a majority of their students pass the MCAS with either Proficient or Advanced.  I went to a vocational high school and people told me that I was wasting my time and I was better than that.  I was also told that since I went to a tech I would never make it in college because there was no point in getting a higher education.   

One of the things that most people do not realize now are that the shops or trades in these schools are expanding.  In fact my high school just recently added a veterinary tech assistant program.  These programs have gone from the basic no need for extra schooling (electrical, plumbing, carpentry) to advance programs where more education is needed (engineering, health assisting, robotics).  Granted you get a basic certificate and can work lower jobs but if you ever want to make it in some professions you will still have to go to school.  This is my case.  I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program with my Massachusetts teaching certificate in infants, toddlers, and preschool.  I want to teach kindergarten and now most school districts now require teachers to get their masters degrees.  So it is necessary for tech school students to get a higher education to advance in the job world.    

Students go to technical schools for many different reasons.  The main reason that these schools are becoming more and more popular is because you get a chance to explore and learn about different professions before you actually attend college or get a job in that field.  The reason that students go to these schools is not just based on how good a student is in school or if they struggle. 

The Importance of Show and Tell

It’s that time again! Your child comes home from school and announces, “Tomorrow is show and tell, and I need to find something to bring in to show everyone!” Parents – your initial thought being, “Oh no, just another thing I have to remember not to forget in the morning…” But, show and tell isn’t just giving kids a reason to bring their favorite toy to class, its so much more.

           

            Show and tell is extremely beneficial to a child’s social, emotional and overall language development. This activity allows children to strengthen their vocabulary by learning to use descriptive language in order to share their special items with their peers. Not only that, but show and tell is a time for kids to further develop their listening skills as their classmates take turns speaking aloud to the group.

            The most obvious benefit to show and tell is of course, oral speaking skills. While this is extremely important, let’s think more about the social aspect and how this simple and effortless activity increases a child’s self-esteem and pride in so many ways! Show and tell gives a child a chance to be the center of attention for 3 whole minutes. What child wouldn’t love this at this age? Also, show and tell is a great opportunity for kids to make friends. Some children may bring in similar a toy, which opens the door of opportunity for children to talk about a similar interest. Who knows, this may even lead to an out of school play-date.

Whenever we have show and tell at the daycare I work at, trust me when I say the kids LOVE IT. They get so excited in their own thoughts and can barely get their words out quick enough. They look forward to this special activity, which is why I believe it should be incorporated in almost every classroom.

Coming together as a group to share special items or even prized possessions with classmates makes an extremely fun and open learning environment. Show and tell is a great activity to engage the entire class and give each child that much needed “moment of fame.”