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: