5.5 Flexible Timeframes in Early Years Classrooms
PROGRAMME OF INQUIRY
children aged 3-6 years inquire into a minimum of 4 units of inquiry per year, including:
Who we are
TEACHER DISCRETION/AGENCY
teachers can determine appropriate time frames for units of inquiry, ensuring they...
are age-appropriate
are fit for purpose
last a minimum duration of 3-4 weeks per unit
How we express ourselves
EXAMPLES of FLEXIBLE UNIT TIME FRAMES units can be...
developed continually throughout the year
revisited once, or numerous times throughout the year
created with a discrete beginning & end
introduced alongside another unit
especially useful for central ideas about understanding scientific principles and/or exploring and caring for the environment
give children multiple opportunities to engage with central ideas, making ongoing observations for issues such as changes in nature, cultural events/exchanges, cycles, and human observation
to fit with the flow of the school year or events in the learning community
for exploring central ideas that sustain and enrich each other
HELPFUL QUESTIONS to ask yourself
What do you consider to be the benefits of flexible timeframes for units of inquiry?
What are the potential risks of running year-long units? How could you address these challenges?