How to Encourage Inquiry-Based Learning Over the Summer

In school, teachers use inquiry-based learning to increase student engagement. It nurtures curiosity and excitement in students and gives children the authority to learn independently. Inquiry-based learning also allows for more student-led or open-ended learning, which is a great complement to traditional models of learning where teachers follow a set curriculum as the leader of the class. During an inquiry-based lesson, teachers pose open-ended problems or questions to students, encouraging curiosity and class participation.

No matter what type of learning happens in your child’s classroom, you can certainly encourage inquiry-based learning at home over the summer.

Be aware of your child’s interest and curiosities.

Imagine your family is spending a summer day on an easy hike at a park. During the hike, your child excitedly points out the flowers growing along the trail or questions why certain trees have different types of branches, bark or leaves. They may notice the different birds and unique sounds they make. When your child mentions something that sparks their curiosity and gets them excited, you can give them a little nudge to find out more.

Use an inquiry-based approach by:

• Asking them to come up with one main question they’d like to find an answer to. That might be, “Which flowers or trees grow best in our region?” or. “Why do birds make different sounds?”
• Helping your child come up with smaller questions that help them with the main question. For example, “What is the climate of our region, and what types of plants grow in this climate?” Or, “How does a bird make sounds, and what are the sounds for?”
• Asking your child to investigate their questions. You can guide them by taking them to the library to find books on the topics, finding resources online or helping them write down what they find. No matter the results of their research, be sure to record it. Asking questions and investigating is an important part of the inquiry-based learning process.

When you encourage this method of learning away from school and during the summer, your child will get into the habit of self-directed learning.

Give your child plenty of opportunities for learning.

Inquiry-based learning is a child-centric, independent approach. Letting kids participate in interesting activities allows them to further question and investigate the world around them. Summer break is a great time for kids to participate in these activities, either on their own, with friends or with the whole family.

Summertime activities that spark learning might include:

• Going to a local museum
• Making a bird or butterfly feeder
• Attending summer camp
• Writing a letter to school friends
• Visiting a national park
• Starting a garden
• Having an outdoor scavenger hunt
• Going to the library
• Building a backyard fort or treehouse
• Going berry picking
• Observing the stars from your backyard

Choosing a mix of new activities and your child’s favorite activities is sure to trigger their curiosity. When you encourage them to explore that topic further, they’ll improve their independent learning skills.

Stratford promotes inquiry-based learning at summer camp.

Stratford School’s summer curriculum is an innovative, fun and enriching camp experience for campers of all ages. Campers can explore and learn about their interests through hands-on projects and activities. We integrate inquiry-based learning to foster curiosity in our youngest learners in the academic and summer program curriculum. Learn more about Stratford’s summer camps and how they can benefit your child today!