Inquiry can be one of the most powerful tools we have in learning, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. At its best, inquiry invites curiosity, wonder, and a deep sense of ownership. At its weakest, it becomes performative and reduced to a craft or a project, stripped of its purpose and power. As educators, it is our responsibility to notice when this shift happens and to steer the learning back toward meaningful exploration through thoughtful questions and authentic reflection.
Some see inquiry as a single strategy, a way to prompt learners with questions. But it is so much more than that. Inquiry is a stance, a way of seeing the world not through certainty, but through possibility. It invites us to slow down, to listen carefully, and to let learning unfold in ways that are often unexpected. I believe inquiry is everything and nothing at the same time. It is not a fixed method, but a way of being that grows and shifts with each learner, each space, and each moment.
There is something magical that happens when a child picks up a material and decides its use and purpose. A pipe cleaner is no longer just a pipe cleaner, becuase it becomes the sword of a noble knight or the tail of a mischievous cat. In that moment, the child is not following directions. They are creating meaning by making choices. They are engaging in inquiry. This kind of learning is not about getting the right answer. It is about exploring ideas, testing theories, and connecting personal stories to the wider world.
When we center our classrooms around inquiry, we make space for innovation and for voice. We show learners that their thinking matters and that learning is not about consuming knowledge, but about shaping it.
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Five-Day Inquiry Challenge
Five-Day Inquiry Challenge
Everyone can use a spark of creativity to ignite their inquiry practice. This five day challenge will get you started on your inquiry journey. For more support, check out my three inquiry guides that can be found here.
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Inquiry
Inquiry is agency in action. It's the spark that ignites a curious mind to wonder, question, and test out ideas. Here are some inquiry ideas to guide your practice.
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Inquiry Questions
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Inquiry Snacks
Well-being of everyone within a school community is so important. We want to prevent burn-out, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. Here are some videos that have inspired me.
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Local & Global Inquiry
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