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.
