Kathy Walker Investigative Learning in the Early Years
Investigative learning takes place from Kindy through to Year 2. It is hands-on with real life exposure to learning opportunities that is as personalised as possible. Investigative learning relates in meaningful and engaging ways to each child, strongly directed by the children’s interests. The range of investigations enables each child to explore in many ways that are meaningful to them. This caters for all learning styles and abilities. The children are highly motivated to learn through opportunities to make authentic choices and an ability to move about the class. Active investigation enables the children to build on each other’s understandings, self-regulate, develop their creativity, promote language, cognition and social competence.
Walker learning ensures that all curriculum content is met. It involves teacher direction, scaffolding, extension and intervention, whereby students are moved along in their learning. There is a variety of learning experiences that include; daily group times, personal reflection times and skill instruction.
There is a Statement of Intent displayed on the classroom communication board which guides learning and experience of the room over the next few weeks and informs parents and educators of the intention and experiences. It is flexible enough to be responsive to the children’s particular needs, skills or interests as they arise.
