I've
read a lot recently about the role of driving questions in project
based learning (both at the beginning and/or end of investigations) and wanted
to give it a try with my kindergarteners. I was curious to find out
whether or not starting an investigation with a driving question would
elevate the quality and depth of what we would accomplish along the way.
Rather than just learning about a particular (and undoubtedly
fascinating!) part of nature, I wanted to focus our learning around the
deeper question of "Why is nature important?" One thing I've learned
for sure is that kindergarteners can and DO think deeply, as long as you
give them the time and space to do so.
I began our investigation by adding some spring themed provocations to our environment. The kids made nature bracelets outside, started talking about and creating artwork with flowers, and began telling fairy stories in our newly created imagination (small world play) center.
