Preschool Units of Inquiry

Preschool classes participate in four units of inquiry throughout the year. Click on each unit below to learn more.

Unit 1 - Who We Are

Transdisciplinary Theme

Who we are: an inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Central Idea 

Exploring helps me learn about myself in our school community

Lines of Inquiry

  • Expressing myself (Responsibility)
  • The five senses (form)
  • Characteristics of objects (Form)
  • My role in the community (Responsibility)

Attributes of the Learner Profile

  • Caring - We give a friend a tissue when they are crying.
  • Principled - We follow the essential agreements (rules) in our classroom.
  • Communicator - We communicate our wants, needs, and ideas to our firends and teachers.

Parent Support

  • Reinforce when your child is caring to others at home or in other settings
  • Create expectations at home for your child to follow (for example, I put my napkin in the trash when I’m done eating)
  • Ask your child questions about his or her day at school

 

Unit 2 - How We Express Ourselves

Transdisciplinary Theme

How we express ourselves: an inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity, our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Central Idea

We express ourselves in different ways

Lines of Inquiry

  • Observations in nature (perspective)
  • Expressing our patriotism (perspective and connection)
  • Everyday life in past and present (connection)
  • Characteristics of a storyteller (perspective and connection)

Attributes of the Learner Profile

  • Thinker - We use our heads. Children will think about where they want to play before going to work time.
  • Reflective - We find ways to be better. Children will reflect on where they went for work time by discussing what they did during that time.
  • Inquirer - We ask questions. Children will ask questions about new topics that are discussed to find out more information.

Parent Support

  • Before you and your child go somewhere together, ask them what they are looking forward to doing.
  • When outside encourage, your child to make shadows. The whole family can participate.
  • Show your child pictures from when they were little and discuss how they have changed as they grow older.
  • Encourage your child to retell their favorite story. Ask them what happened in the story by asking questions.

Unit 3 - Where We Are in Place and Time

Transdisciplinary Theme 

Where we are in place and time: an inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

Central idea  

Lines of Inquiry  

Learner Profile Attributes

Unit 4 - Sharing the Planet

Transdisciplinary Theme 

Sharing the planet: an inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Central idea

Lines of Inquiry 

Learner Profile Attributes: