Why Investigations?

So much of teaching (at least in my experience in independent school classrooms) is about making hard decisions. There are countless things we could learn/do each day and an increasingly long list of innovative (or even more traditional) ways of teaching them. In order to stay on track I find myself constantly asking - What do my students really need, and given what I know about them (and the world in which they live) what is the very BEST use of their time at school?

Sound and Instrument Investigation

It all started with a visit from the 7th/8th orchestra.  One morning they decided to practice in the first grade commons area and invited Lower School classes to watch. My kindergartners sat mesmerized as they watched the big kids play.  I could tell right away that music was an interest that spoke to many of them, and my suspicions were confirmed the very next day when I noticed several kiddos making paper instruments during choice time.  Since we were deep in the midst of our Lower-Middle-Upper school investigation, I filed the idea away for a few weeks...

Until one morning my daughter was headed to middle school with her violin in hand. The kindegartners gathered around as she opened up her case and revealed (and played for them too, of course) what was inside.

Lower-Middle-Upper School Investigation

For a variety of reasons we've had several older Stab visitors in our classroom this school year, and my class is always completely enamored with our visitors.  One day an upper school visitor walked in and the kindergartners rattled off about 20 questions for her in less than 5 minutes - all about things they wondered about her life in the Upper School. Clearly, they were interested in finding out more! 

Since the beginning of a school year in a brand new building is a perfect opportunity for learning more about the people and spaces around you...AND because of their unquestionable curiosity surrounding this topic, our Lower-Middle-Upper school was born.

Games Around the World Investigation (under construction)

Individual Investigations (under construction)

Our Rainbow-Chihuly-Waterbottle Investigation

Our Rainbow-Chihuly-Waterbottle Investigation was unlike any other, in large part because it seemed to never end. One of my main goals as a teacher this year has been to pause and give the kiddos time to think, remember, extend, and reflect. Since I'm the kind of person who tends to move quickly, slowing down and reflecting does not come naturally to me. Despite that challenge, I've come to finally understand that's where the real learning happens. Yes, in many ways this investigation went on and on and on - with a few other smaller investigations even happening in the midst of it. However, the slower pace and reflective mindset (especially toward the end) that guided our work allowed for a whole new level of depth, quality, and meaning.   

Our investigation all started with a rainbow obsession, but that's definitely not where it ended up! From the very beginning of the school year it was obvious that many of my kindergartners loved rainbows. Our drawing and painting and creating and building centers always seemed to be full of them.  

Our School Investigation

Most of our investigations in kindergarten arise out of students' interest and/or needs. However, I've always been curious to try an investigation that begins with a teacher-selected guiding question instead. I wanted a question that would lend itself to as much critical thinking as possible, and I also wanted one that would enable the kiddos to do the actual investigating themselves. Since we had already completed three interest-driven investigations so far this school year, January seemed like a perfect time to try something new.  

Our investigation began with the question, "What are the most important places at our school?" Since one of my main goals this year is to get those little brains thinking deeply as much as possible, we brainstormed a list the first day and the following day I challenged the kindergartners to explain their reasoning behind each suggestion.

Once our list was complete, we headed out to explore the Learning Village to see if there were any important spots we might have forgotten.  

Game Investigation

Our game investigation came about in the most organic and natural way possible, and it was the perfect fit for my particular group of kindergartners this year. One day someone brought a game to school in the share sack, and then all the kiddos gathered around after snack to play it. The following day our next sharer also brought in a game, and the same thing happened. It only took two days to VERY clearly see that this group of kiddos already had many of the social skills required for successful game play and that they absolutely loved doing it too.  

The countless benefits of playing board games are well researched and documented. Board games help develop...

• math skills - number recognition, grouping, counting, detecting patterns
• literacy skills - letter and word recognition, writing, sequencing, vocabulary development 
• social skills - communicating, sharing, taking turns, patience, being a good sport
• cognitive skills - problem solving, strategizing, decision making, critical thinking, logic and reasoning skills, cause and effect
• ability to focus and persevere
• friendships and a sense of belonging and community through shared fun