From the beginning of this term, the children in the Wattle Room have shown an interest in insects whether it be in the outdoor learning environment or within the indoor learning environment. Hence, the teachers thought to explore this further through an inquiry into insects.

The children were provided with a variety of learning experiences which encouraged them to explore and investigate by themselves. They were provided with provocations such as books, photographs, insect figurines as well as life cycle figurines. The teachers asked the children questions, inquired into the children’s thinking and encouraged them to wonder. We have engaged in group discussions about insects and through this the teachers were able to gain an insight into the children’s current knowledge to then plan for future learning.

The children in the Wattle Room have commenced an inquiry into insects.

The teachers provided the children with various opportunities to create a visual representation of their thinking. This involved providing learning experiences for the children to use different ‘languages’ such as the ‘language of drawing’, the ‘language of clay’, the ‘language of paint’ and others. The teachers are learning with the children too, making discoveries as we continue to delve deeper into this exploration and research.

The Wattle Room children have had the opportunity to create visual representations of their thinking around insects.

Ms Zoe Swindells, Wattle Room Early Learning Teacher