Inquiry is a cornerstone of the EY/PYP educational approach, recognizing that "children are natural inquirers from birth, equipped with the ability to learn about, interact with, and interpret the world around them." (The Learner, 2018). By harnessing this innate curiosity, the EY program encourages children to take an active role in their own learning. This approach enhances student agency, fosters enthusiasm, and deepens their understanding. Moreover, it cultivates essential skills that contribute to their journey as lifelong learners.
In the EY program, inquiry manifests in various forms, depending on the objectives of specific learning engagements. Guided inquiry is particularly beneficial, as it allows teachers to assist students in developing more complex understandings of their environment (Hmelo-Silver, Duncan, Chinn, 2007). Teachers work collaboratively to design learning experiences that prompt purposeful inquiry. A crucial aspect of inquiry in EY is the ongoing reflection throughout the learning process. This reflective practice helps students gain a deeper understanding and increases their agency in their learning journey (Audet, 2005). As inquiry promotes active participation, it enables students to develop essential skills that will support their long-term educational success.
As stated by The Learner (2018), "children are natural inquirers from birth, capable of learning about, interacting with, and interpreting the world around them."
The IB program is a continuum, and the solid foundation built in an inquiry-based EY program supports students as they progress through the PYP, MYP, and onto the DP. As they advance, they will face a world vastly different from today's, with unknown jobs and challenges. When students begin PK at CISH, they start developing the skills needed to tackle future challenges. Through inquiry and continuous reflection, they learn to self-manage, solve problems, locate relevant information, communicate effectively, collaborate, and become socially aware citizens capable of advocating for positive change. Inquiry not only drives students to take action on their learning but also nurtures them into lifelong learners.