Our ultimate goal is to have a hand in sending off intelligent, compassionate, empowered young people.
That doesn’t come unless we allow our students to have a voice. Inquiry projects are one of the ways we include them daily.
Allowing kids to investigate topics that are of interest provides endless opportunities and benefits.
One of the beautiful things that happens is that our kids take the lead and go in directions that are unexpected for them and more complex than we may push them to start.
Allowing for that challenge and supporting it builds confidence. In what they learn, in how they handle it, and in unexpected opportunities.
It also increases motivation and solidifies trust between teachers and students. Additionally, if young people see that their ideas are not just shot down, students are more apt to push further and receive feedback.
Having the ability to choose for themselves, also leaves room for mistakes. Sure we may see an error coming, but by simply avoiding them and not teaching our kids how to get back up when things don’t go perfectly, we’re missing the opportunity for them to really grow. (*We encourage smart risks. We never allow intentional harm.)
Beyond the mistakes, being able to choose also leaves a whole lot of room for big successes and moments of pride.
Like what’s coming with our school-wide play/musical production our kids are putting on this year. They’re in charge of leadership roles, they’re designing set pieces, costumes, etc. The point isn’t to have the most flawless production you’ve ever seen, but for the kids to feel proud of what they accomplished.
These projects, these moments, this collaboration – is how we add this project to their list of accomplishments, will serve as an experience to build off of, and lay the foundation for young people who see possibilities.